IL124756A - Indane compounds and pharmaceutical compositions comprising them - Google Patents

Abstract

Indane compounds of general formulas (7) and (8) and their pharmaceutical use particularly to achieve smooth muscle relaxing activity and/or mast cell stabilizing activity and/or anti-inflammatory activity as described, wherein in formula (7) R2 to R13, in formula (8) R1 and R3 and R13 are selected from one or more of the same or different of: H, halo, hydroxy, alkoxy, aryloxy, acetoxy, carboxy, alkyl carbonyl, hydro carbonyl, amino, amido, alkylamino, hydroxylamino, amine oxide groups, azo groups, cyano, hydrazino groups, hydrazide groups, hydrazone groups, imide groups, iminoether groups, ureyl groups, oxime, nitro, nitrate, nitrite, nitroso groups, nitrile, heterocyclic groups containing heretro atoms containing one or more of N, O or S, aralkyl groups, mono and polybenzoid aryl groups, substituted aryl groups, thiol, thioureyl, phenylthiol groups, sulphonic acid groups, sulphoxide groups, sulphone groups, alkyl containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms or cycloalkyl groups containing 3 to 8 carbon atoms which may saturated or unsaturated, substituted alkyl or cycloalkyl groups which may be saturated or unsaturated. X is a bond, O, or NR (wherein R is acyl, alkyl or sulphonate groups), S, SO or SO2, when X is a bond any of R8 and R13; R8 and R12; R8 and R9 may together represent a double bond, in formula (7) any one or more of R2, 1R2 R3, 1R3; R9, 1R9; R10, 1R10; R11, 1R11; R12, 1R12 may together represent oxo, and in formula (8) any one or more of R1, 1R1, R3, 1R3; R9, 1R9; R10, 1R10; R11, 1R11; R12; 1R12 may together represent oxo.

Description

124756/3 ni D Don mnpn n>Jom Ι Ν niaiDUi Indane compounds and pharmaceutical compositions comprising them Venantius Limited C: 111952 124756/4 The invention relates to indane compounds, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use.

According ta the invention t ers is provided ,a □hannaceutical cainpasitian comprising a comn.auad.af any t t a formulae: 124756/3 -2- wherein in Formulae 1 and 3 R3 to R15 in Formula 2 R3 to R15 are selected from one or more of the same or different of: H, halo, hydroxy, alkoxy, aryloxy, acetoxy, carboxy, alkyl carbonyl, hydro carbonyl, amino, amido, alkylamino, hydroxylamino, aralkyl groups, mono and polybenzoid aryl groups, substituted aryl groups, alkyl containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms or cycloalkyl groups containing 3 to 8 carbon atoms, substituted alkyl or cycloalkyl, wherein the alkyl and cycloalkyl are substsituted with any one or more of the same or different of halo, oxo, hydroxy, alkoxy, aryloxy, acetoxy, carboxy, carbonyl, amino, amido, alkylamino, hydroxylamino, aralkyl groups, mono and- polybenzoid aryl groups, substituted aryl groups, in Formulae 1 and 3 R1, and in Formula 2 R2, ½2 are any one or more of hydro carbonyl, alkyl carbonyl, hydrogen, hydroxy or acetoxy; in Formula 1 any one or more of R RJ XR3; R 10 I RD 10 may together represent oxo; in Formula 2 any one or more of R2, -"-R2; R3, 1R3; R14, 1R14 ; may together represent oxo; in Formula 3 any one or more of R1, ^-R1; R3, 1R3; R14, 1R14; may together represent oxo; pharmacologically acceptable salts, esters, amides, solvates and isomers thereof. 124756/2 The invention also provides compounds of formulae 1 to 3 as hereinbefore defined disclaiming the following: 1- (2-indenyl) -l-methyl-indan-2-one ; 1- (2-indenyl) -indane; and 2- (1-indenyl) -indanone.

The invention also provides compounds of Formulae 1 to 3 per se as defined above.

In Formula 1 R1, ^R1, R3, ¾3; and R10, AR10 do not each represent oxo.

In Formula 2 R2, R2; R3, ^3, and R14, 2R14 do not each represent oxo.

In Formula 3 R1, ^1, R3, XR3, and R14, XR14 do not together represent oxo.

Preferably in Formula 1 R3 to R7 and preferably also R10 to R14 are hydrogen.

In Formula 1 preferred particularly because of pharmacological activity as mast cell stabilizers are those compounds in which: R1, 1R1 represent H, OH; and R15 is benzyl.

Preferably in Formula 2 R3 to R7 and also preferably R10 to R13 are hydrogen. 124756/4 -4-6- In Formula 2 preferred particularly because of pharmacological activity as mast cell stabilizers are those compounds in which: R2, lR2 represent H, OH; and R15 is benzyl., Preferably in Formula 3 R4 to R7 and preferably also R10 to R13 represent hydrogen.

In Formula 3 preferred particularly because of pharmacological activity as mast cell stabilizers and for anti-inflammatory activity are those compounds in which: R1, 1R1 represents H, OH; and R15 is benzyl.

The invention further relates to the use of the compounds above in the manufacture of a medicament to achieve smooth muscle relaxing activity and/or mast cell stabilizing activity and/or anti-inflammatory activity.

The invention also relates to the compounds per se given in Appendix 2.

- - General Reaction Procedures 1. Aluminium tri- tert-butoxide method for synthesis of indan-l-one Indan-l-one and toluene was placed in a 250 ml round bottomed flask and the solution was dried by azeotropic distillation. To this solution was added Aluminium tri- tert-butoxide and the reaction mixture was allowed to reflux for 1 hour. An additional amount of Aluminium tri- tert-butoxide was added and the reaction was left to reflux for a further 30 mins.

The reaction mixture was cooled before being poured onto water. The product was extracted using ether and dried over sodium sulphate. On evaporation of the solvent the crude product was purified by flash column chromatography (eluent: petroleum ether:ether, 9:1). After evaporation of the eluent the product was obtained as a crystalline solid.

This procedure is particularly applicable for the synthesis of 2-{ l'-Indanylidene)-l-indanone using 1-indanone as starting material. 2. Lithium diisopropylamide (LDA) Alkylation reaction LDA based alkylations of α-β enone dinter has proven to have been an excellent route to a alkyl-β, a enone dimers.

Generally, the experimental procedure was as follows. A three necked 100 ml round bottomed flask was oven dried and fitted with a septum and a nitrogen inlet line. The flask was then evacuated and heated with a heat gun to dry. To this flask which was filled with nitrogen was added the required dimer in dry THF. The solution was cooled to -78°C with a liquid nitrogen/ethyl acetate bath and lithium diisopropylamide (LDA) in THF/heptane/ ethylbenzene was added. After stirring for 10 minutes at -78°C, the desired organic halide was added and the solution was allowed to warm to room temperature for 3 hours under a nitrogen atmosphere. To this solution was added ether and aqueous ammonium chloride solution. The organic layer was isolated and the aqueous layer was extracted with ether. The combined organic extracts were dried over sodium sulphate and on evaporation of the solvent afforded an oil. The crude product was purified by flash column chromatography. - - 3. Formation of dinters in Families 1 to 4 by coupling of a silyl enol ether of an Indonone with a dimethyl acetal or cyclic acetal of the same or different Indanone This coupling procedure was primarily developed to couple two different indanones together. However, this methodology was also successful for the coupling of the same indanone together. Generally, the experimental procedure was as follows. - To a stirred solution of the silyl enol ether of a particular indanone together andi the corresponding C dimethyl acetal of the same or different indanone in dichloromethane at -78°C, was added a catalytic amount of TMS triflate. The solution was left stirring at -78°C for 3 hours and then allowed to reach -50eC for 1 hour. To this solution was then added a 5% solution of sodium bicarbonate. The organic layer was isolated and the aqueous layer extracted with dichloromethane. The combine organic layers were dried with sodium sulphate. After evaporation of the solvent, the crude product was passed through a plug of silica, eluting with petroleum ether - - 100% grading to petroleum ether ethyl acetate, 100:4. After evaporation of the eluent the product was obtained. Same procedure for the coupling of a silyl enol ether of an Indonone derivative with a cyclic-ketal of l-indanone derivative. 4. Elimination of methanol to form ,β-unsaturated ketone This procedure was primarily designed to synthesise α,β-unsaturated ketones from the resulting methyl ethers dimers generated from the coupling of the silyl enol ethers and dimethyl acetals of different indanones. The reaction procedure was as follows.

The required dimer was dissolved in methanol and DCM, 3:1 and to this stirring solution was added triflic acid. The reaction mixture was allowed to reflux for 1 hour, after which time a precipitate formed. The solution was then cooled in an ice bath, filtered and the solid which was the respective α,β-unsaturated ketone was dried.

. Coupling of 3-Bromoindan-l-one to the silyl enol ether of indanones This procedure was particularly designed to couple a multitude of indanones to the 3 position of indane-l-one. None of the other synthesis that were described above to couple indanones together appeared to allow for this transformation. The success of this coupling was primarily governed by the choice of Lewis acid (TMS triflate was used) because of the presence of the potentially reactive carbonyl functional group on the 3-bromo indanone in the presence of the Lewis acids . The reaction scheme for preparing one compound of the invention is as follows: To a' stirred solution of the silyl enol ether of an indanone and a 3-bromo indane-l-one derivative in dichloromethane at -78°C, was added a catalytic amount of TMS triflate. The solution was left stirring at -78°C for 10 mins and at room temperature for 3 hours. To this solution was then added solid sodium bicarbonate (approx. 2 g) and the solution was stirred rapidly for 10 minutes. The solution was then filtered and the filtrate was evaporated to leave a mobile oil, which was passed through a plug of silica, eluting with petroleum ether: ethyl acetate 9:2. After evaporation of the eluent, the product was obtained. 6. Reduction of dimers with 10% Palladium on Carbon : This procedure is particularly applicable to the reduction of the carbon-carbon double bonds of β, a enone dimers in families 1,2,3 and 4 . In the case of α,β-unsaturated ketone indane dimers, this method of reduction always results in both the reduction of the carbon-carbon double bond and the carbonyl of the α-β-unsaturated system. The reduction procedure was as follows.

- - The required dimer was dissolved in ethanol and ethyl acetate. To this, 10% palladium over activated charcoal (catalytic quantities) was added and the reaction was stirred under hydrogen for 2 hours. The catalyst was removed by filtration. Evaporation of the solvent at reduced pressure afforded the crude product. The crude product was purified by flash column chromatography. 7. Reduction of dimers with 10% Palladium on Carbon and concentrated aq HCl This procedure is particularly applicable to both the reduction of the R, a carbon-carbon double bond and the ketone functional group. The reduction procedure was as follows.

The required dimer was dissolved in distilled ethanol and ethyl acetate. To this, concentrated aqueous HCl 37% solution was added together with water and 10% palladium over activated charcoal (catalytic quantities) and the mixture was stirred under hydrogen for 24 hours.

The catalyst was removed by filtration and the product was extracted into ethyl acetate (3 x 20 ml). The crude product was purified by flash column chromatography. 8. Sodium borohydride reduction of dimers This reduction is particularly applicable to the reduction of the ketone functional group of compounds in families 1-4. The reduction procedure was as follows.

The required dimer was dissolved in ethanol and sodium borohydride was added to the reaction in small portions over 10 mins. The reaction was then stirred at room temperature for 3 hours. The reaction mixture was poured onto water (20 ml) and extracted into diethyl ether (3 x ml). Flash column chromatography over silica gel afforded the product. 9. Reduction of dimers by Huang-Minion modification reaction Hydrazine hydrate reaction This reduction procedure is particularly applicable to the reduction of the ketone functional group in the case of ft, a enones. The reduction procedure was as follows.

The required dimer was dispersed in ethylene glycol .

Hydrazine hydrate was added along with sodium hydroxide. ^ The reaction was stirred at reflux for 24 hours. The reaction mixture was then cooled to room temperature and water was added and the product was extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was isolated and dried over anhydrous sodium sulphate. Flash column chromatography was used to afford the pure product.

. Cyanoborohydride reduction of dimers This reduction procedure is particularly applicable to the reduction of the ketone functional group of compounds in families 1-4. The reduction is as follows.

The required dimer was dispersed in 1 , 2-dichloroethane at 1 room temperature. To this solution was added solid zinc iodide and sodium cyanborohydride . The reaction was stirred at reflux for 20: hours. The product was added to water and extracted . into ethyl acetate. Flash column chromatography (eluent: petroleum ether:ethyl acetate, 9:1) was used to isolate the pure product. - 11. Reduction or isomerisation of the oc,J3-unsaturated double bond in dimers with 5% palladium on carbon This procedure is particularly applicable to the reduction of the double bond in the case of a,β-unsaturated ketones.

The required dimer was dispersed in ethanol and ethyl acetate and to this was added 5% palladium on carbon. The mixture was stirred under hydrogen for 14 hours. The palladium was removed by filtration and the solvent was removed to afford the crude reaction product. Flash column chromatography afforded, the required product. 12. Wilkinsons reduction of dimers This method of reduction was particularly effective for the selective reduction of a double bond on R15 without reducing the R8-R9 double bond in families 1 to 4. The reduction procedure was as follows.

The required di er was dissolved in ethanol and ethyl acetate. To this stirring solution Wilkinsons catalyst was added. The reaction was then stirred under hydrogen for 20 hours. The product was partitioned between ethyl acetate and water and the organic layer was isolated and dried with Na2SO«. The crude product was purified by flash column chromatography to yield the required product. 13. Hydrolysis of an ester dimers in Families 1 to 4 The required ester was dissolved in a solution of 1.45 M NaOH in THF:MeOH:H20 (6:3:2), which was then refluxed. After 20 minutes, TLC showed that the hydrolysis of the ester was complete. After cooling the reaction mixture, a saturated solution of aqueous ammonium chloride, aqueous HC1 (2 ) and ether was added. The organic layer was isolated and the aqueous layer was extracted with ether.

The combined organic extracts were dried with Na2S04 and filtered. Evaporation of the solvent, left the acid. 14. Oxime synthesis This procedure is particularly applicable for the synthesis of oxime derivatives of ketonic indane dimers which have hydrogens to the ketone. Generally the procedure was as follows .

The ketonic indanone dimer was dissolved in a solution of methanol:pyridine (4:1) and to this solution was then T added hydroxylamine hydrochloride. Depending on the specific ketonic indan dimer, the reaction was carried out either at room temperature or at reflux conditions.

. O-alkylation of the oxime This procedure is particularly applicable to O-alkylation of the oxime derivatives synthesised. Generally the procedure was as follows .

A solution of the oxime indane dimer was dissolved in ether : tert-butanol 3:1. Benzyl bromide was generally used as the alkylating reagent and it was added to the reaction ^_ mixture. Potassium tert-butoxide 1 eq. was added dropwise to this solution at room temperature. After workup using aqueous ammonium chloride and ether the desired oxime ether was isolated after chromatography. 16. a-alkylation of O-benzyl oximes This' procedure is particularly applicable to the a-alkylation of oxime ether derivatives.

The procedure was as follows.

A solution of the oxime ether was dissolved in dry ether and cooled to -78°C. To this solution was added n-butyl lithium, followed by benzyl bromide in excess. the reaction was generally quenched with water, the product extracted with ether and purified by flash column chromatography. 17. Sulfonylation of 2-indanol dimers This procedure is particularly applicable to sulfonylation of hydroxyl groups of 2-indanol dimers. The required hydroxylated dimer was dissolved in dichloromethane and to this solution was added methanesulfonyl chloride and N,N-diisopropylethyl amine dropwise. After stirring for 15 mins at 0°C, the reaction mixture was normally partitioned between DM and aqueous NaHC03, the organic layer was isolated washed with water, 2M aqueous HC1 and finally water. Final purification of the products was by flash column chromatography. 18. Acetylation of the hydroxyl indan-dimers Generally the procedure was to dissolve the compound for acetylation in DCM and to use acetic anhydride as the acetylating reagent with triethylamine as tertiary base and DMAP as the acylation catalyst. 19. β-methoxy carbonyl compounds transformation to -alkyl and fi, -enones The β-methoxy carbonyl compound was dissolved in ether: 'butanol (5:1) and to this the desired alkylation agent was added. To a stirring solution potassium tert-butoxide was added dropwise over a period of 30 mins. The reaction was allowed to stir at room temperature for 24 hours. An aqueous solution of ammonium chloride was added and the product was extracted into ether. The crude reaction mixture was then passed through a column of flash silica, to yield the desired product.

. Alkylation of an a, β-enone The required dimer was dissolved in ether: cbutanol (5:1) and to this the desired alkylation agent was added. To a stirring solution potassium tert-butoxide was added dropwise over a period of 30 mins. The reaction was allowed to stir at .room temperature for 24 hours. An ^ aqueous solution of ammonium chloride was added and the product was extracted into ether. The crude reaction mixture was then passed through a column of flash silica, to yield the desired product.

Potassium tert-butoxide method CQ id Potassium cert butoxide (4.25 g, 37 rnmol) in cbutanol (125 ml) and ether (10 ml) were added dropwise over 20 minutes, to a stirring solution of indan-l-one (5.0 g, 37 rnmol) in ether (20 ml) and *butanol (5 ml). The reaction mixture was then left stirring overnight.

The crude product was partitioned between ethyl acetate and saturated aqueous ammonium chloride. The organic layer was isolated and the aqueous phase was re-extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layers were combined and dried over sodium sulphate. On evaporation of the solvent the crude product was obtained. Flash chromatography was used to purify the required product (eluent t petroleum ether (b.p. 40-60*C) : ethyl acetate, 9:1). On recrystallisation with ether 1C1 was obtained as a yellow solid. (Yield 20%).

Low resolution mass spectra: Found M'246.

Required M* 246. - - Ή NMR (CDClj, 300 MHz) 8R 3.11 (2H, t, J=6 Hz, C&) , 3.54 (2H, m, C&), 3.98 (2H, s, CH2), 7.53 (6H, m, 6 x Ar-H) , 7.79 (2H, mf 2 x Ar-fl) . l3C NMR (CDClj, 75.47 MHz ) Sc 30.9, 31.5, 33.0 (3 x £H2) , 123.5, 125.7, 125.9 (3 x Ar-£H) , 125.9 (C=C), 126.2, 126.8, 127.2, 130.4, 133.5 (5 x Ar-£H) , 139.5, 140.8, 148.5, 151.7, 154.9 (1 X c=c and 4 x AR-£) , 195.1 (£=0) .

C C SUBSTTTUTE SHEET (RULE 26) Alternative Synthesis qf ici Aluminium tri-cert-butoxide method.

Indan-l-one (5.0 g, 37 mmol) and toluene (80 ml) were placed in a 250 ml round bottomed flask and the solution was dried by azeotropic distillation. To this solution was added Aluminium tri-tert-butoxide (4.7 g, 19 mmol) and the reaction mixture was allowed to reflux for 1 hour. An additional amount of Aluminium tri-tert-butoxide (2.3 g, 9.0 mmol) was added and the reaction was left to reflux for a further 30 minutes.

The reaction mixture was cooled before being poured onto water. The product was extracted using ether and dried over sodium sulphate. On evaporation of the solvent the crude product was purified by flash column chromatography (eluent : petroleum ether : ether, 9:1). After evaporation of the eluent 1C1 was obtained as a yellow crystalline solid, 48% yield.

Low resolution mass spectra: Found M'246.

Required M*246.

'H NMR (CDClj, 300 MHz) SH 3.11 (2H, t, J*6 Hz, CHj), 3.54 (2H, m, CHj), 3.98 (2H, s, Clfe) , 7.53 (6H, mr 6 x Ar-H) , 7.79 (2H, m, 2 x Ar-fl) . l3C NMR (CDClj, 75.47 MHz) Sc 30.9, 31.5, 33.0 (3 x £H2) , 123.5, 125.7, 125.9 (3 x Ar-ςΗ) , 125.9 (C=C), 126.2, 126.8, 127.2, 130.4, 133.5 (5 x Ar-£H) , 139.5, 140.8, 148.7, 151.7, 154.9 (4 x Ar-£, and 1 x Q=C) , 195.1 (£=0) .

\ C2.

A three necked 100 ml round bottomed flask was oven dried and fitted with a septum and a nitrogen inlet line. The flask was then evacuated and heated with a heat gun to dry. To this flask, which was filled with nitrogen was added indan-l-one dimer 1C1 (500 mg, 2.0 mmol) in dry THF (25 ml). The solution was cooled to -78eC with a liquid nitrogen/ethyl acetate bath and lithium diisopropylamide (LDA) in THF/heptane/ethylbenzene (1.0 ml of 2M solution of LDA) was added. After stirring for 10 minutes at -78°C, iodomethane (1.14 g, 8.0 mmol, 4 equivalents) was added and the solution was allowed to warm to room temperature for 3 hours under vacuum and in a nitrogen atmosphere .

To .this solution was added ether (30 ml) and ammonium chloride solution (30 ml). The organic layer was isolated and the aqueous layer was extracted with ether (2 x 30 ml). The combined organic extracts were dried over sodium sulphate and on evaporation of the solvent afforded an oil. The crude product was purified by flash column chromatography (eluent : petroleum ether b.p. 40-60°C : ethyl acetate, 9:1), to yield 1C2 m.p.: 112-114°C.

IR (KBr).«: 2361.2, 1715.1, 1606.9, 1459.7 cm-1.

Microanalysis: C19Hi60 requires C, 87.69% and H, 6.15%. found: C, 87.54% and H, 6.25% Low resolution mass spectra: /Found M*260, M*-15=245.

Required M*260. c "H NMR (CDCI3, 300 MHz) Se 1.67 (3H, s, CH3) / 3.20 (1H, d, J=17 Hz, CH), 3.40 (2H, d, J=2 Hz, Cifc), 3.69 (1H, d, J=17 Hz, CH), 6.52 (1H, t, J=2 Hz, CH) , 6.87 (1H, d, J=8 Hz, Ar-fi), 7.15 (2H, m, 2 x Ar-H) , 7.48 (3H, m, 3 x Ar-H) , 7.68 (1H, m, Ar-H), 7.92 (1H, d, J=8 Hz, Ar-H). l3C NMR (CDCI3, 75.47MHz) 6C 23.9 (£H3), 37.6," 41.2 (2 x £H2), 50.5 (CC£(CH2) (CH3)), 119.8, 124.1, 124.6, 124.8, 125.9, 126.8 127.7/ 130.1, 135.2, (8 x Ar-£H S i C=£H) , 135.6, 143i07 144.9, 145.8*, 152.3 (4 x Ar-£ & £=CH) , 208.6 (£=0).·: - : · ; !.

Synthesis of 1C2 Potassium terc-butoxide method.

To a three necked round bottomed flask was added indan-1-one (10.09, 75 mmol) which was dissolved in ether (100 ml) and cbutanol (20 ml). To this, iodomethane (4.72 ml, 75 nunol) in ether (50 ml) and potassium tert-butoxide (8.49 g, 75 nunol) in 'butanol (150 ml) were added dropwise at equal rates. The reaction mixture was stirred at reflux for 2 hours.

The solution was allowed to cool and the mixture was partitioned between ethyl acetate and aqueous ammonium chloride (1 : 1 300 ml). The organic layer was extracted and the aqueous phase re-extracted with ethyl acetate (2 x 50 ml). The combined organic layers were dried over sodium sulphate. On evaporation of the solvent the crude product was obtained. Flash column chromatography was used to purify the required product (eluent: petroleum ether (b.p. 40-60eC) : ethyl acetate, 9tl). On isolation of 1C2 it was recrystallised from ether to yield a white solid, (20%). m.p. 112-114°C IR (KBr)MX: 2361.2, 1715.1, 1606.9, 1459.7 cm-1.

Microanalysis: Cl9Hi60 requires C, 87.69% and H, 6.15%. found: Cr 87.54% and H, 6.25% Low resolution mass spectra: Found M*260, M*-15=245.

Required M*260.

€ 'H NMR (CDCIJ, 300 MHz) 6H 1.67 (3H, s, CHj), 3.20 (1H, d, J=17 Hz, Cfl), 3.40 (2H, d, J=2 Hz, Cfl2), 3.69 (1H, d, J=17 Hz, Cfl), 6.52 <1H, t, J=2 Hz, Cfl), 6.87 (1H, d, J=8 Hz, Ar-fl), 7.15 (2H, m, 2 x Ar-fl) , 7.48 (3H, m, 3 x Ar-fl) , 7.68 (1H, m, Ar-fl), 7.92 (1H, d, J=8 Hz, Ar-fl) . l3C NMR (CDClj, 75.47 MHz) 6C 23.9 (£H3), 37.6, 41.2 (2 x £H2), 50.5 (CO£(CH2) (CH3)), 119.8, 124.1, 124.6, 124.8, 125.9, 126.8, 127.7/ 130.1, 135.2, (8 x Ar-£H & 1 x C=£H) , 135.6, 143.0, 144.9, 145.8, 152.3 (4 x Ar-£ & £=CH), 208.6 (£=0) .

C - - Synthesis of 1C3 % Palladium on Carbon Reduction. 1C2 (1.0 g, 3.8 mmol) was dissolved in ethanol (20 ml) and ethyl acetate (10 ml). To this 10% palladium over activated charcoal (catalytic quantities) was added and the reaction was stirred under hydrogen for 2 hours. The catalyst was removed by filtration. Evaporation of the solvent at reduced pressure afforded a clear oil, which was recrystallised from petroleum ether (b.p. 40-60°C) as a white solid, (0.76g, 76.34%). This white solid was found to be a mixture of diastereomers ( 1C3 ) .

M.p. 88-90°C.

IR (film)^: 1709.8 cm'1 (C=0), 1606.8cm'1 (C=C) Where distinguishable the values for the minor diastereomeric mixture are itallised. lH NMR (CDClj, 300 MHz) S„ 1.46 (3H, s, CHj), 1.45, 1.90, 2.10 & 2.30 (2H, 4 x m, CHCHj), 2.63 & 2.97 (2H, dd, J=18, 102.1 Hz, CC£b), 2.79 (2H, m, CHCHjCHj), 3.65, 3.84 (1H, 2 x m, CilCHjCHj), 6.73 & 6.99 ( 1H, 2 x br.m, 1 x Ar-fl) , 7.30 (5H, br m, 5 x Ar-fl), 7.56 (1H, m, 1 x Ar-fi) , 7.78, 7.83 (1H, dd, 1 x Ar-H). - - 13C NMR (CDClj, 75.47 MHz ) 6C 24.4, 24.6 (£Hj) , 29.0, 28.3, 31.8, 31.2, 37.6, 36.8 (3 x £H2) , 50.7, 50.5 (£H) , 52.9, 52.6 (g£), 124.2, 124.8, 125.5, 125.9, 126.4, 126.8, 127.4, 134.8 (Ar-£H), 136.2, 144.2, 145.0, 153.4 (Ar-£), 210.9, 211.0 (C=0) .

C % Palladium on Carbon reduction Synthesis of 1C4 1C2 (1.0 g, 3.8 mmol) was dissolved in ethanol (20 ml) and ethyl acetate (10 ml). To this, 10% palladium over activated charcoal (catalytic quantities) was added and the reaction was stirred under hydrogen for 2 hours. The catalyst was removed by filtration. Evaporation of the solvent at reduced pressure afforded a clear oil , which was recrystallised from diethyl ether and petroleum ether (b.p. 40 - 60°C) as a white solid, 0.76 g, 76.34%. This white solid was found to be a mixture of diasteriomers.

M.p. 88 - 90°C.

IR (film)M: 1709.8 cm'1 (00), 1606.8 cm*1 (C«C) .

Where distinguishable the values for the minor diasteriomer are italized. lH NMR (CDC1), 300 MHz) Sa 1.46 <3H, s, Cfc), 1.45, 1.90, 2.10 & 2.30 (2H, 4 x in, CHC&CHj), 2.68 & 2.98 (2K, ddr J»17.8 Hz, CClfe), 2.79 (2H, m, CHCHzdfc), 3.65, 3. 85 (1H, m, CHCH2CH2), 6.75 6 6.96 (1H, br.m & t respectively, 1 x Ar-H) , 7.30 (5H, br m, 5 x Ar-H) , 7.56 (1H, m, 1 x Ar-H), 7.78, 7. 83 (1H, dd, 1 x Ar-H) · 13C NMR (CDClj, 75.47 MHz) Sc 24.4, 24. 6 (£Hj), 29.0, 28. 3, 31.8, 31 .2, 37.6, 36. 8 (3 x £H2) , 50.7, 50. 6 (£H) , 52.9, 52. 6 (q£), 124.2, 124.8, 125.5, 125.9, 126.4, 126.8, 127.4, 134.8 (Ar-£H) , 136.2, 144.2, 145.0, 153.4 (Ar-£), 210.9, 211. 0 (C=0) .

% Palladium on Carbon reduction Synthesis of 1C4 HQ 1C2 (100 mg, .0.385 mraol) was dissolved in distilled ethanol (5 ml) and ethyl acetate (1 ml). To this solution concentrated HCl 37% solution (0.2 ml) was added together with water (0.4 ml) and Pd/Charcoal (catalytic quantities) and the mixture was stirred under hydrogen for 24 hours.

The catalyst was removed by filtration and the product was extracted into ethyl acetate (3 x 20 ml). The crude product was purified by flash column chromatography (eluent : petroleum ether : ethyl acetate, 99:1) to yield 1C4 (84 mg, 89.14%). Ή NMR (CDClj, 300 MHz) Sa 1.52 (3H, s, Cft), 2.14 and 2.21 (2H, each m, CHC&CHj), 2.80 and 3.26 (2H, 2 x d, J=15.5 Hz, CCflj), 3.04 and 3.13 (2H, 2 x d, J=15.5 Hz, CC&), 3.11 (2H, m, CHCHzQb), 3.49 (1H, m, C&CH2CH2), 7.26 (8H, br m, 8 X Ar_fl) . ^ . . l3C NMR (CDClj, 75.47 MHz) 6C 22.6 ( H3), 28.6, 31.9, 46.3, 46.5 (£H2), 55.5 (£H) , 124.5, 124.7, 125.2, 125.8, 125.9, 125.9, 126.4, (Ar-£H) , 142.5, 143.0, 145.1, 145.2 (Ar- ) .

References: CM. Wong, D. Popies, R. Schwerk and J. Te Raa.

Can. J. Chem. Vol 49,, (1971), 2714 Sodium Borohydride Reduction Synthesis of 1C5 \C1 1C2 (530 mg, 2.04 mmol) was dissolved in ethanol (10 ml) and sodium borohydride (0.1 g, 2.63 mmol) was added to the reaction in small portions over 10 minutes. The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 3 hour. The reaction mixture was poured onto water (20 ml) and extracted into diethyl ether (3 x 20 ml). Flash column chromatography over silica gel (eluent: petroleum ether (b.p. 40-60eC): ethyl acetate, 98:2) afforded the product 1C5 as a clear oil 396 mg, 74.15%. It was found that the product was obtained as a mixture of diastereomers . 1R (KBr)^: 3429.8 cm"1.

Where distinguishable the values for the minor diastereomer are italized. lH NMR (CDClj, 300 MHz) SB 1.44, 1.47 (3H, df Cfij), 3.00 & 3.84, (1H, 2 x d, J=15.5 Hz, CH of CH2), 3.13 & 3.35 (1H, dd, J=15.9 Hz, CH of CH, ) , 3.43 6 3.59 (2H, 2 x d, J = 2 Hz, 2 Hz, CHJ), 5.41, 5.67 (1H, 2 x s, CHOH ) , 6.49, 6.53 (1H, 2 x t, J=2 Hz, 2 Hz, C=CHJ, 7.40 & 7.78 (6H, m & d respectively, 6 x Ar-H), 7.61 (2H, , 2 x Ar-H) · l3C NMR (CDClj, 75.47 MHz) 6C 25.5 (QHj) , 37.6, 37.9, 43.1, 43.2 (£H2), 49.9, 50.2 (q£) , 80.7, 81.6, (CH.OH) , 121.1 (£H), 121.2, 121.6, 124.2, 124.3, 124.4, 124.5, 124.8, 125.1, 125.3, 125.8, 126.1, 126.4, 128.0, 128.6, 128.9, 128.9, 130.8, 138.5, 140.3, 142.8, 143.3, 143.9, 144.0, 145.4, 145.5, 148.2, 150.0, 171.3 (Ar-ςΗ & Ar-C & 1 x C=CH) .

€ Sodium borohydride reduction Synthesis of 1C6 The same method was used as for the synthesis of 1C5. 1C6 was isolated as a mixture of diastereomers 176 mg, 76.24%.

Where distinguishable values for minor diastereomers are italized. lH NMR (CDClj, 300 MHz) S„ 0.86, 0.94 (3Hr 2 x s, Cflj), 2.29-3.54 (6H, br m, C&'s), 5.19, 5.23 ( 1H, 2 x br.s, CHOH), 7.19-7.39 (8H, m, 8 x Ar-H) . l3C NMR (CDC13, 75.47 MHz) 6C 15.1, 16.0 (ςΗ3), 27.9, 28.9, 31.9, 32.1, 43.6, 43.8 (£H,), 52.1 (q£), 54.5, 54.1 (ςΗ) , 82.5, 82.0 (CHOH), 123.7, 124.7, 124.9, 125.3, 125.5, 125.8, 125.9, 127.8 (Ar-ςΗ), 140.2, 144.0, 144.7, 145.2 (Ar-CJ.

Hydrazine Hydrate Reaction.

Huang - Minion modification Reduction Reaction Synthesis of 1C7 c 1C1 1C2 (lOOmg, 0.38 ntraol) was dispersed in ethylene glycol (5 ml). Hydrazine hydrate (2.5 ml) was added along with sodium hydroxide (0.2 g). The reaction was stirred at reflux for 24 hours. The reaction mixture was then cooled to room temperature and water (50 ml) was added and' the product was extracted with ethyl acetate (3 x 20 ml). The organic layer was isolated and dreid over anhydrous sodium sulphate. Flash column chromatography (eluent : petroleum ether : ethyl acetate 99:1) was used to afford the pure product 1C7 34mg, 35.58%. * Low resolution mass spectra: Found M*246 Required M* 246. lH NMR (CDC13, 300 MHz) S„ 1.53 (3H, s, Cft), 3.04 (2Hr d, J»15.5 Hz, Cib), 3.39 (2H, s, C&), 3.59 (2H, d, J=15.5 Hz, CHj), 6.36 (1H, t, CH),, 7.28 (6H, br m, 6 x Ar-H), 7.48 (1H, m, 1 x Ar-H), 7.53 (1H, br d, 1 x Ar-H) . l3C nmr (CDC13, 75.47 MHz) 5C 27.5 (£H3) , 37.4, 45.6, 45.6 (3 x £H2) 44.2 (q ), 121.3, 124.1, 124.2, 124.9, 124.9, 125.7, 126.3, 126.3, 126.9 (8 x Ar-£H and 1 x C=£H) 142.4, 142.4, 144.0, 145.4, 151.7 (4 x Ar-£ and 1 x £=CH) .

- - Cyanoborohydride Reduction Reaction Synthesis of 1C7 Cyanoborohydride Reduction Reaction. 1 1C2 (100 mg, 0.38 mmol) was dispersed in 1,2- dichloroethane (5 ml) at room temperature. To this solution was added solid zinc iodide (0.02 g, 0.062S mmol) and sodium cyanoborohydride (0.2 g, 3.18 mmol). The reaction was stirred at reflux for 20 hours. The product was added to water (IS ml) and extracted into ethyl acetate. Flash column chromatography (eluent : petroleum ether : ethyl acetate 9:1) was used to isolate 1C7, 27mg, 29.13%. 1 Ή NMR (CDClj, 300 MHz) 6a 1.S3 (3H, s, CHj), 3.04 (2H, d, J=15.5 Hz, Cflj), 3.39 (2H, s, CHj), 3.59 (2H, s, J=15.5 Hz, CHj), 6.36 (1H, t, J=2.1Hz, Cfl) , 7.28 (6H, br m, 6 x Ar-H), 7.48 (IK, n, 1 x Ar-fl) , 7.53 (1H, br d, 1 x Ar-fl) .

References: C. . Lau, Claude Durfresne, P.C. Belanger, S.

Pietre and J. Scheigetz.

J. Org. Chem., (1986), 51, 3038-3043.

Synt esis of 1C8 i 5 1C5 (100 mg, 0.38 mmol) was dissolved in clean, dry DCM (5 ml). To this solution was added triethylamine (0.2 ml), DMAP (O.lg) and acetic anhydride (0.35 ml, 10 equivalents). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 15 minutes and passed through a plug of silica eluting with petroleum spirit (b.p. 40-60eC) : ethyl acetate (8:2) to afford 1C8 (67 rag, 57.7%). Ή NMR (CDClj, 300 MHz) SH 1.44 (3H, s, Cfib), 1.53 (3H, s, OCOCHj), 2.91-3.91 (4H, br. m, Ob), 6.38 (1H, br s, C»CH) , 6.445 (1H, s, CHOCOCH3), 7.18-7.58 (8H, m, Ar-H) "CNMR (CDClj, 75.47 MHz) 6C 20.7, 21.1(£Hj), 26.1 (OCOfiHj), 37.5, 37.6, 43.7, 43.9 (2 x ςΗ2), 47.9, 48.7 (qC), 81.5, 82.4 (£HOCOCHj), 121.0, 121.3, 123.8, 124.1, 124.2, 124.4, 124.8, 125.1, 125.2, 125.8, 125.9, 126.7, 126.8, 127.2, 128.4, 128.6, 129.1, 129.3, 140.5, 141.8, 143.5 143.8, 144.8, 145.3, 148.3 (8 x Ar-£H, 4 x Ar-Q, 1 each ς=£Η), 170.6 (O OCH,) Syn h Low resolution mass spectra: Pound M*274, M*-29 = 245.

Required M*274. lB NMR (CDClj, 300 MHz) S„ 0.83 (3H, t, J 8 Hz, dfc), 2.21 (2H, mr J=8 Hz, CflLi). 3.34 (1H, d, Cfl) , 3.35 (2H, s, Cifc), 3.59 (1H, d, J=17 Hz, CHJ , 6.49 (1H, t, J=2 Hz, (¾), 7.15- 8.0 (8H, m, 8 x Ar-HJ .

"C NMR (CDClj, 75.47 MHz) 6C 8.6 (CHjfiHj), 29.5, 37.4, 38.3 (3 x £Hj), 54.4 (q£), 120.1, 123.9, 123.9, 124.4, 125.7, 126.2, 127.3, 129.7, 134.8, (8 x Ar-£H 6 C= H), 136.9, 143.2, 144.8, 145.1, 152.6 (5x Ar-£), 207.7 (£=0) .

Synthesis of ICll The reaction yield for ICll was 163 mg, 73.56%. lH NMR (CDCl3 r 300 MHz) 6a 0.75 (3H, m, CH3), 1.25 - 2.30 (4H, br m, 2 x CH2) , 2.75 - 3.10 (4H, br n, 2 x CH2), 3.8 & 3.9 (1H, 2 x m, CHCH2CH2), 7.0 - 7.9 (8Hf br n, 8 x Ar- H). l3C NMR (CDClj, 75.47 MHz) Sc 8.4 & 8.7 (CH,),~ 28.2, 28.3, 30.7, 31.3, 31.8, 35.0, 35.2 (4 x CH2), 50.1, 50.2 (CH), 56.4, 57.0 (qC), 123.6, 124.8, 125.5, 126.2, 126.9, 134.6, 134.7, 137.9, 143.2, 144.2, 144.4, 145.2, 154.2, (Ar-CH & Ar-C), 210.9 (C=0).

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 28) Synthesis of 1C12 Id The reaction yield for 1C12 was 0.78 g, 67.09%.

Low resolution mass spectra: Found: M*286 Required: M*286 lH NMR {CDClj, 300 MHz) 6a 2.94 (2H, d, C&CH-CH,), 3.38 (2H, br sr 3.53 (2H, ab q, J*17.5 Hz, C&), 4.99 (1H, dd, J=l Hz, 10 Hz, CHjCH-CJfc), 5.16 (1H, dd, J=3.3 Hz, 17 Hz, CHiCH-CIfc), 5.62 (1H, in, CH2CH=CH2) , 6.52 (1H, t, J=2 Hz, C=CHCH2), 7.06 (1H, m, 1 x Ar-H), 7.18 (2H, in, 2 x Ar- H), 7.46 (3H, m, 3 x Ar-H), 7.65 (1H, dt, J=1.3 Hz & J=7.6 Hz 1 x Ar-H) , 7.87 (1H, d, J*7.5 Hz, 1 x Ar-H).

I3C NMR (CDClj, 75.47 MHz) 6C 37.6, 37.6, 41.1 (3 x £H2), 53.9 (q£), 118.7 Wilkinsons reduction Synthesis of 1C13 t C 1C12 (100 mg, 0.349 mmol) was dissolved in ethanol (20 ml) and ethyl acetate (10 ml). To this stirring solution Wilkinsons catalyst (0.1 g) was added. The reaction was then stirred under hydrogen for 20 hours. The product was partitioned between ethyl acetate and water and the organic layer was isolated and dried with Na2S0«. The crude product was purified by flash column chromatography to yield 1C13 57 mg, 56.60%.

. ■ '.V - * ii: lH NMR (CDCI3, 300 MHz) 68 0.88 (3H, t, J=7 Hz; Chi), 1-27 (2H, m, CHi), 2.16 (2H, m, i), 3.36 (2H, br.s, C-CHQfc), 3.49 (2H, ab q, J=17.6 Hz, COCflj) 6.50 (1H, t, J»2 Hz, Cfl) , 7.12 (3H, m, 3 x Ar-H), 7.50 (3H, m, 3 x Ar-fl) , 7.64 (1H, dt, J-1.2 Hz & J=7.6 Hz, 1 x Ar-fl), 7.86 (1H, d, J=7.2 Hz, 1 x Ar-fl).

I3C NMR (CDCI3, 75.47 MHz) 6C 14.5 (£HS) , 17.6, 37.6, 38.9, 39*2 (4 x H2), 54.3 (q£), 120.3 (£H) , 124.1, 124.2, 124.6, 125.8, 126.3, 127.6, 129.8, 135.0 (8 x Ar-£H) , 136.9, 143.3, 144.9, 145.3, 152.8 (4 x Ar-£ & 1 x £*C), 208.2 (£=0) .

% Palladium on carbon reduction Synthesis of 1C14 The reaction yield for 1C14 was 76 mg, 75.4%.

Where distinguishable values for minor diastereomers are italized l NMR (CDClj, 300 MHz) 6„ 0.92 (3H, t, CH,), 1.10-4.00 (14H, br m, CH & C&'s), 3.74 (1H, m, CHCH2CH2), 6.90-7.90 ( 8H, m, 8 x Ar-ii) .

"C NMR (CDClj, 75.47 MHz) 6C 14.6 (£H3), 17.1/ 11.5 (£H2), 28.2 (£H2), 31.2, 31.8 (£H2), 35"J"3, 35.6 (£H2), 40.5, 41.0 (£H2), 50.4, 50.6 (£H), 56.2, 56.7 (q£), 123.4, 123.6, 123.9, 124.4, 124.8, 125.5, 125.9, 126.1, 126.2, 126.5, 126.8, 127.3, 134,6, 134.7, 137.7, 143.4, 144.2, 144.4, 145.2, 153.7, 154.1 (Ar-£H & Ar-£) , 211.0 (£*0) .

Syn^ ssjs o£ 1C15, Sodium borohydride reduction The method is the same as that described for ICS.

The reaction yield for 1C15 (73 mg, 72.42%) from which two diastereoisomers were separated by flash column chromatography .

Diastereomeric Mixture li Ή NMR (CDClj, 300 MHz) 68 2.55 & 2.61 (1H, 2 x d, CCHzCH'CH,), 2.89 & 2.94 (1H, 2 x d J = 6.15 Hz CC&CH*CH2) , 3.33 (2H, q, J=16 Hz, CHj), 3.35 (2H, d, J » 2 Hz, 4.98 (1H, dd, J=3.3 Hz, 17 Hz, CHjCH'CHi) 5.51 (1H, d, J=7.9 Hz, CflOH), 5.64 (1H, m, C=CHCH2), 6.40 (1H, s, C»CH) 7.19 (5H, m, 5 x Ar-H), 7.35 (1H, m, 1 x Ar-H), 7.50 (1H, d, J=5 Hz, 1 x Ar-H), 7.72 (1H, d, J=5 Hz, 1 x Ar-H). · -,.. i :· ^ ' - "C NMR (CDCls, 75.47 MHz) 6C 37.4, 37.6, 40.4 (3 x £H¾) , 53.0 (q ), 81.8 (£HOH), 116.9 121.7, 124.1, 124.1, 124.4, 124.7, 125.8, 126.9, 128.4, 129.9, 136.1 (8 x Ar-£H S i x C=£H 6 1 x H=CH,), 140.7, 143.9, 144.1, 145.3, 148.2 (4 x Ar-ς & 1 x =CH) .

Diastereomeric Mixture 2: Ή NMR (CDC13, 300 MH2) SH 2.24 (1H, d, J=5.39 Hz, CHOH), 2.87-3.41 (6H, m, 3 x CH2), 4.91 (2H, m, CH=CHz), 5.49 (H, d, J=5.37 Hz, CHOH), 5.62 (1H, m, CH=CH2) , 6.37 (1H, s, C=CHCH2), 7.23-7.72 (8H, m, 8 x Ar-CH) . 13C NMR (CDC13, 75.47 MHz) 5C 29.7, 37.4, 37.6 (3 x £H2) , 81.7 (£OH), 116.9 (CH=£H2), 121.7, 124.0, 124.1, 124.4, 124.7, 125.8, 126.9, 128.3, 129.9, 136.1, (8 x Ar£H & 2 x £e£H), 140.7, 143.8, 144.0, 145.3, 148.2 (5 x Ar-£) .

Synthesis of acetates Synthesis of 1C16 1C15 (140 mg, 0.5 mmol) was dissolved in clean, dry OCM (10 nl). To this solution was added triethylamine (0.15g, 0.20 ml), DMAP (O.lg) and acetic anhydride (0.45 ml, 10 equivalents). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 15 minutes and passed through a plug of silica eluting with petroleum spirit (b.p. 40-60°C) : ethyl acetate (8:2) to afford 1C16 (149 mg, 92.9%). Ή NMR (CDClj, 300 MHz) SH 1.53 (3H, s, OCOCHj), 2.23 (1H, dd, J = 5.5 and 13.8 Hz, CH of CH,) t 2.80 (1H, dd, J » 5.5 and 13.8 Hz, CH of Cjfc) , 3.22 (1H, d, J = 15.8 Hz, CH of CHJ), 3.44 (2H, s, Qfc), 3.63 (1H, d, J = 15.8 Hz, CH of € CH2) , 4.87 (1H, d, J » 17 Hz, CH of C&) , 4.95 (IH, d, J ■ Hz, CH of CHJ), 5.61-5.49 (1H, m Cfi) , 6.36 (1H, t, J = 2.0 Hz, C=CH), 6.54 (1H, s, CHOCOCHj) , 7.21-7.37 (5H, m, 5 x Ar - H) , 7.51 (2H, t, J = 6.6 Hz, 2 x Ar - H), 7.63 (1H, d, J ■ 7.2 Hz, 1 x Ar - H) "C. NMR (CDClj, 75.47 MHz) Sc 20.6 (OCO Hj), 37.6, 40.0, 40.3 (3 xCH2)# 51.6 (qC), 81.7 (CHOCOCHj), 117.8 (CH=£H2), 120.8, 123.8, 124.2, 124.9, 125.9, 126.8, 127.1, 129.3, 130.9, 134.1, 140.7, 143.1, 143.6, 144.7, 145.9, (8 x Ar- CH, 4 x Ar-C, 1 each £=£H and 1 x £H=CH2), 170.6 (0£0CH3) Syntteg of KV Kit Sodium borohydride reduction of 1C13 1C17 1H NMR (CDC13 300 MHz) Sa 0.84-2.20 (8H, br ra, CHj, CH2's), 3.29 (2H, s, COHCCflj), 5.42 (1H, br s, CHOH), 6.28 (1H, t, J=2.1Hz, C=Cfi) , 7.18- 7.81 (8H, m, 8 x Ar-fl) .

WC NMR (CDClj, 75.47 MHz) 6C 14.8 (Q 3) , 18.7, 34.7, 37.5, 40.8 (4 x £H2), 53.6 (qC), 81.2 (CHOH), 121.7, 124.0, 124.3, 124.4, 124.7, 125.8, 126.7, 128.3, 129.7, 141.7, 144.1, 144.2, 145.3, 148.2 (8 x Ar-CH 6 4 x Ar-C & 1 x C=CH S i x C=£H). 1C18 *H NMR (CDCI3, 300 MHz) δΗ 0.74 (3H, t, J=7.4Hz, CH2CH2CHj), 0.92 (2H, m, , 1.75 (2H, m, CCHjCHjCHj) , 3.45 (2H, s, CCHj), 3.12 & 3.59 (1H each, d. J=15.6Hz, CHCifc), 5.37 (1H, s, CHOH), 6.45 (1H, s, C=Cfl) , 7.27-7.79 (8H, m, 8 x Ar-H) .

"C NMR (CDCI3, 75.47 MHz) Sc 14.4 (CH3), 18.5, 29.7, 37.8, 39.4 (4 x CH2), 54.8 (qC), 81.8 (£HOH), 120.9, 124.2, 124.7, 125.1, 125.7, 126.3, 126.7, 128.7, 130.9, 142.6, 143.4, 143.7, 145.2, 146.1, (8 x Ar-CH & 4 x Ar-C & 1 x C=CH & 1 x C=CH).

Synthesis of 1C19 C 1C18 (70 mg, 0.25 mraol) was dissolved in clean, dry DCM (5 ml). To this solution was added triethylamine (0.15 ml) DMAP (0.05g) and acetic anhydride (0.25 ml, 10 equivalents). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 15 minutes and passed through a plug of silica eluting with petroleum spirit (b.p. 40-60°C) : ethyl acetate (8:2) to afford 1C19 (65 mg, 81.1%). lH NMR (CDClj, 300 MHz) 6H 0.71 (3H, t J » 7.1 Hz, CH2CHj), 0.89 - 1.97 (4H. br. ra, C&'s), 1.51 (3H, s, C&), 3.17 (1H, d, J = 15.5 Hz, CH of CHC&) , 3.40 (2H, s, Cifc), 3.62 (1H, d, J = 15.6 Hz, CH of CHCifc), 6.34 (1H, t, J a 2.2 Hz, C=CH)# 6.49 (1H, s, CHOCOCHj), 7.18 - 7.59 (8H, m, Ar-H) C l3C NMR (CDClj, 75.47 MHz) 8C 14.3 (CHjfiHj), 18.3 (£H2) , 20.7 (OCOQHj), 37.6, 38.6, 40.4 (3 x £H2), 52.4 (q£) , 82.4 (CHOCOCHj), 120.8, 123.8, 124.2, 124.98, 125.9, 126.8, 127.0, 129.3, 130.4 (8 x Ar-£H, vinylic £H) 141.0, 143.4, 143.9, 144.6, 146.6 (4 x Ar-£ and 1 x £*CHCH2), 170.7 (O OCHj) CXO The reaction for 1C20 was 40%.

*H NMR (CDClj, 300 MHz) 6H 0.73 (3H, t, CH2CHj), 1.83 (2H, m, CHJCHJ), 2.85 (2H, d, 3.38 (2H, br s, OCHCHj), 3.50 (2H, ab q, J=13.0 Hz, COCCifc), 5.18 6 5.58 (2H, 2 x m, CH2CH*CIiCH2) , 6.52 (lH, t, J=2 Hz, 1 x OCHCHj), 7.01 (1H, », 1 x Ar-fl), 7.15 (2H, mr 2 x Ar-H) , 7.40 (3H, m, 3 x Ar-fl), 7.65 (1H, t, 1 x Ar-fi), 7.85 (1H, d, 1 x Ar-H) . l5C NMR (CDClj, 300 MHz) δΗ 13.4 (CH3), 25.4, 37.6, 37.6, 39.9 (4 x CHj), 54.3 (qC), 120.1, 123.1, 124.0, 124.0, 124.6, 125.8, 126.3, 127.4, 130.2, 135.0, 136.6, 136.9, 143.2, 144.9, 145.1, 152.9 (8 x Ar-£H & 4 x Ar-ς & 1 x QrQH & 1 x £H-£jH), 207.9 (C=0) .

Synthesis of 1C21 Wilkinsons reduction of 1C20 1C20 (0.50g, 1.58 mmol) was dissolved in ethanol (20 ml) and ethyl acetate (10 ml). To this stirring solution Wilkinsons catalyst (0.1 g) was added. The reaction was then stirred under hydrogen for 20 hours. The product was partitioned between ethyl acetate and water and the organic layer was isolated and dried with Na2SO«. The crude product was purified by flash column chromatography to yield 1C21 (450 mg, 90%).' lH NMR (CDClj, 300 MHz) SB 0.86 (3H, t, J=1.6Hz, CHj), 1.27- 1.47 (6H, m, 3 CHa), 2.16-2.21 (2H, m, 3.37 (2H, sf CHj), 3.52 (2H, ab q, J=17.6Hz, CHCH2),"6.51 (1H, d, J»2.1Hz, CHJ, 7.15-7.91 (8H, m, 8 x Ar-fi) .

"C NMR (CDClj, 75.47 MHz) 6ς 13.9 (£H?), 22.3, 23.8, 32.2, 36.8, 37.6, 38.8 (6 x£H2), 54.3 (o£), 120.3, 124.0, 124.1, 124.5, 125.8, 126.3, 127.5, 129.8,.134.9 (¾ x Arr£H & 1 x C'Qfi), 136.8, 143.3, 144.9, 145.3, 152.7 (4 x Ar-ς S i x ς=ςκ) , 208.1 (£=0).

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 28) Synthes is o f 1C22 & 1C23 Sodium borohydride reduction of 1C20 icao 1C20 (0.50 g, 1.58 mmol) was dissolved in ethanol and ethyl acetate (2:1, 9 ml) and sodium borohydride (0.1 g, 0.263 mmol) was added to the reaction in small portions over 10 minutes. The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 3 hours. The reaction mixture was poured onto water (20 ml) and extracted into diethyl ether (3 x 20 ml). Flash column chromatography over silica gel eluent: petroleum ether (b.p.40-60°C) tethyl acetate, 98:2) afforded 1C22 & 1C23 (470 rng, 95%). 1C22 *H NMR (CDCIJ, 300 MHz) δ„ 0.79 (3H, t, J=7.4Hz, CHJCHJ ) , 1.83-3.36 (8H, br m, C&'s), 5.21-5.53 (2H, ra, CHiCHCHCHz), 5.54 (lH, br s, CflOH), 6.21, 6.43 (1H, 2 x s, CH=C), 7.21-7.71 (8H, an, 8 x Ar-fl). 1C23 lH NMR (CDCIj, 300 MHz) 6„ 0.34 - 3.52 (12H, m, CH2's), 5.09-5.29 (2H, m, Cfl=CH) , 5.36 (1H, br.m, CflOH), 6.42 (1H, d, J=6.5Hz, Cfl»C), 7.23-7.76 {8H, m, 8 x Ar-fl) .

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 25) Synthesis of 1C24 \COLH- The reaction yield for 1C24 was 230 mg, 33.67%.

Low resolution mass spectra: Found M*336 M* -91=245 Required M*336. lH NMR (CDClj, 300 MHz) S„ 3.37 ( 2H dd , OCHCIfc ) , " 3.55 (2H, ab q, J=13 Hz, CCiL), 3.54 (2H, d^J«14 Hz, PhCHj), 6.53 (1H, t, J=2 Hz, C=CH), 7.12 (5H, m, 5 x Ar-fl) , 7.25 (5H, br m, 5 x Ar-fi), 7.47 (2H, m, 2 x Ar-fl), 7.78 (ΪΗ, d, J=7 Hz, 1 x Ar-H) . l3C NMR (CDClj, 75.47 MHz) 8C 36.8, 37.6, 41.7 (3 x £H2) , 55.5 (q£), 120.5, 123.9, 124.2,' 124.7, 125.9, 126.1, 126.4, 127.7, 127.2, 130.2, 130.2,' 130.4, 134.8 (13 x Ar- £H t l x C=£H), 136.6, 136.7, 143¾, 145.1, 145.1, 152.6 (5 x Ar-£ & £=CH).

Sodium borohydride reduction 1C25 and 1C26 was isolated, yield 90 mg, 89.45% as a mixture of diastereomers. Ή NMR (CDClj, 300 MHz) 6a 2.58-3.62 (6H, br m, 3 x Cfi2), 5.45 & 5.56 (1H, 2 x br s, CHOH), 6.04 & 6.09 (1H, 2 x s, C=CBCH2), 6.64 (1H, d, J*2 Hz, Ar-Cfl) , 7.15 (9H, m, 9 x Ar- CH), 7.67 (1H, d, Ar-CH) , 7.98 (1H, dd, Ar-CH) , 7.90 & 8.10 (1H, 2 x d, J= Hz, 1 x Ar-£H) . 13C NMR (CDClj, 75.47 MHz) 6C 37.1, 37.4, 37.8, 38.4, 39.6, 40.9 (5 x CH2), 55.2* 55.8 (qC), 81.2,81.3 (CHOH), 120.9, 122.3, 123.9, 124.3, 124.4, 124.5, 124.7, 124.7, 124.9, 125.1, 125.8, 125.9, 126.1, 126.1, 126.5, 126.5, 126.7, 126.9, 127.3, 127.4, 127.4, 128.4, 129.0, 130.2, 130.2, 130.2, 131.2, 134.2 (Ar-CH and C=CH):, 137.8, 138.7, 141.2, 142.4, 143.2, 143.6, 144.2, 145.2, 145.2, 147.4 (Ar-C).

Synthesis of 1C27 1C25/1C26 (50 mg, 1.5 mmol) was dissolved in clean, dry DCM ( 5 ml) . To this solution was added triethylamine (0.1 ml), DMAP (O.OSg) and acetic anhydride (0.25 ml, 10 equivalents). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 15 minutes and passed through a plug of silica eluting with petroleum spirit (b.p. 40-60eC) : ethyl acetate (8:2) to afford 1C27 (48 mg, 85.4%) as a mixture of diastereomers . HJ , - lH NMR (CDClj, 300 MHz) 5H 1.56 and 2.23 (6H, 2 x s, 2 x OCOCHj), 2.57 - 3.73 (12H, n, 6 x Qfc), 5.59 and 6.6 (4H, 2 x m, 2 x CH, 2 x CHCOCHj) , 6.90 - 7.73 (25Hr ra, 25 x Ar-H), 8.1 (1H, d, J*6Hz, 1 x Ar-fl) "C NMR (CDClj, 75.47 MHz) Sc 20.8, 21.4 (OCOCHj), 37.4, 37.5, 38.1, 39.2, 40.6, 41.0 (3 x ςΗ2), 53.4, 54.1 (qC), 81.2, 81.7 ( HOCOCHj), 120.6, 121.9, 124.0, 124.1, 124.3, 124.4, 124.9, 126.0, 126.1, 126.2, 126.6, 126.9, 127.3, 127.5, 129.0, 129.5, 129.9, 130.5, 132.2, 132.24, 137.2, 138.3, 140.8, 143.2, 143.4, 143.5, 143.8, 144.6, 144.9, 145.2 (Ar- H, vinylic £ and Ar-£) , 170.5 (OQOCHj) % of Palladium on carbon reduction.

Synthesis of 1C28 1C24 (106 mg, 0.315 nunol) was dissolved in distilled ethanol (5 ml) and ethyl acetate (1 ml). To this solution was added concentrated HCl 37% solution (0.2 ml) was added together with water (0.4 ml), and Pd/Charcoal (catalytic quantities) and the mixture was stirred under hydrogen for 24 hours.

The catalyst was removed by filtration and the product was extracted into ethyl acetate (3 x 20 ml) . The crude product was purified by flash column chromatography (eluent : petroleum ether : ethyl acetate, 99:1) to yield 1C28 83 mg, 81.7%. lH NMR (CDClj, 300 MHz) 6a 2.04 - 2.33 (2H, each m, C&), 2.76 - 3.05 (8H, m, 4 x C&), 3.52 (1H, m, CflCH2CH2), 7.05 - 7.40 (13H, br.m, 13 x Ar-H) . 13C NMR (CDCl,, 75.47 MHz) Sc 28.9, 31.7, 41.6, 41.9, 42.5, (5 -X ςΗ:), 51.4 (c£), 52.2 (CH), 124.3, 124.4, 124.7, 125.8, 125.8, 125.9, 126.0, 126.0, 126.5, 127.6, 127.6, 130.6 130.6 (13 x Ar-ςΗ), 138.8, 142.6, 142.9, 144.7, 145.6 (5 x Ar-ς) .

Synthesis of 1C29 1C29 was isolated as a mixture of diastereomers (170 mg, 50.45%).

Where distinguishable the minor diastereomers values are italized. Ή NMR (CDClj, 300 MHz) Sa 2.10 - 4.10 (8H, br m, CH & C&'s), 6.77 - 7.80 (13H, br m, 13 x Ar-fi . l3C NMR (CDClj, 75.47 MHz) 6C 28.5, 28.8, 31.3, 31.6, 33.5, 33.8, 43.1, 43.7 (4 χ'<¾), 51.1 (£H) , 57.6, 57.8 (q£), 123.0, 123.3, 124.2, 124.4, 124.9, 125.4, 125.7, 125.8, 125.9, 126.2, 126.6, 126.8, 126.9, 126.9, 127.5,^ 127.7, 129.8, 130.0, 134.2, 134.4, 136.2, 136.6, 137.6, 138.2, 142.7, 144.0, 144.4, 145.3, 153.4, 153.8, (Ar-£H's & Ar- Q's), 210.3, 210.6 (£=0).

Sodium borohydride reduction Synthesis of 1C30 The reaction yield for 1C30 was 63 mg, 62.81%.

*H NMR (CDClj, 300 MHz) 6a 1.83 - 3.50 (9H, br m, CH, CHj's), 4.94 - 5.32 ( 1H, m, CHOH), 6.98 - 7.29 (13H, m, Ar- H).

- - Syntheses of; i The reaction yield for 1C31 was 60%.

*H NMR (CDClj, 300 MHz) Sa 3.37 (2H, dd, J-1.8 Hz, 3.45, 3.56 (2H, d, Ρη(¾), 3.57 (2H, q, J*13.0 Hz, C-CIfc), 3.84 (3H, s, QH3)f 6.48 (1H, t, J=1.8 Hz, CH) , 7.25 (7H, ra, 7 x Ar-fl), 7.46 (2H, dt, 2 x Ar-H , 7.77 (3H, m, 3 x Aril) .

"C NMR (CDClj 75.47 MHz) 6C 36.9, 37.6, 41.6 (3 x £H2) , 51.9 (£H3), 55.4 (q£), 128.4 (Ar-£), 120.5, 124.0, 124.3, 124.8, 125.9, 126.1, 127.5, 129.2, 129.2, 130.2, 130.2, 130.6, 135.1, (12 x Ar-£H & 1 x £H=C), 136.5, 142.1, 142.9, 144.6, 145.1, 152.3 (5 x Ar-ς & 1 x £=CH), 166.8 (COJCHJ), 207.2 (£=0).

Hydrolysis of 1C31 Synthesis of 1C32 The benzoate ester 1C31 (0.1 g, 0.253 mmol) was dissolved in a solution of 1.45 M NaOH in THF - MeOH - H20 (6 : 3 : 2) (4 ml), which was then refluxed. After 20 minutes, TLC showed that the hydrolysis of the benzoate ester 1C31 was complete. After cooling the reaction mixture, a saturated solution of aqueous ammonium chloride (4 ml), aqueous HC1 (2 M) (10 ml) and ether (30 ml) was added. The organic layer was isolated and the raqueous layer was. extracted with ether (1 x 10 ml) . The combined, organic extracts were dried with Na2SO« and filtered. Evaporation, left the acid 1C32 as a slightly coloured solid. lH NMR (CDClj, 300 MHz) SH 3.39 & 3.45 (2H, dd, J= Hz OCHCfc), 3.49 & 3.57 (2H, d, PhCflj), 3.59 (2H, q, C-C&), 6.49 (1H, br s, CH 7.22 (8H, m, 8 xAr-fl), 7.47 (2H, t, 2 x Ar-H), 7.79 (IH, d, 1 x Ar-fi) , 7.89 (2H, d, 2 x Ar-fl) . l3C NMR (CDClj 75.47 MHz) 6C 36.9, 37.9, 41.7 (3 x CH2), 55.4 (qC), 120.5, 124.1, 124.3, 124.8, 126.0, 126.2, 127*.4, 129.8, 129.8, 130.3, 130.3, 130.7, 136.4 (12 x Ar-£H & 1 x C=£H), 135.2, 135.2, 142.9, 143.1, 144.6, 145.1, 152.3 (6 x Ar-ς S i x CaCH), 171.6 (£02H) , 207.3 (ς=0) .

Synt esis of C33 \C2>3 The reaction yield for 1C33 was 0.53g, 41.12%.

*H NMR (CDCl,f 300 MHz) 6a 3.31 <2H, q, J*16.2 Hz, COCHj), 3.30 (2H, dd, J=2 Hz, C-CHC&), 3:54 (3H, s,¾ 3.65 <2H, ab q, C&COOCHj), 6.31 <1H, t, CH), 7.25 (3H, m, 3 x Ar-flJ , 7.42 (3H, m, 3 x Ar-fl) , 7.63 (1H, dt, 1 x Ar-fl) , 7.91 (1H, m, 1 x Ar-fl) >&3 : "C NMR (CDClj 75.47 MHz) 6C 37.6, 38.2, 39.8/ (3 x H2), 51.6 (£H3), 52.0 (q£), 120.3, 124.3, 124.3, H .8, 125.9, 126.3, 127.5, 130.4, (8 x" Ar-£H) , 134.9 *Γ(£Η) , 136.1, 142.5, 143.6, 145.0, 145.0, 152.2 (5 x Ar-£*& 1 x =CH), 171.4 (£02CH3), 206.2 (£=0) .

Synthesis of 1C34 Hydrolysis of 1C33 1C33 (O.lg, 0.316 mmol) was dissolved in a solution of 1.45 M NaOH in THF : MeOH : H20 (6:3:2) (4 ml), which was then refluxed. After 0.5hr TLC showed that hydrolysis of BRA 64 was complete. This was then partitioned between DCM (50 ml) and dilute HC1 (1 M 20ml). The organic layer was isolated and the aqueous layer extracted with DCM (2 x 50 ml). The combined organic extracts were washed with water and dried over Na2SO» and filtered. Evaporation left the acid 1C34 as a gum. Ή NMR (CDC1„ 300 MHz) S„ 3.26 (4H, br m, C=CH H2 & CH2COOH), 3.64 (2H, ab q J=17.0 Hz, COC&), 6.28 (1H, t, J=2Hz, C=CHCH2), 7.18 (3H, br m, 3 x Ar-H) , 7.45 (3H, br m, 3 x Ar-il), 7.65 (1H, dt, 1 x Ar-H) , 7.86 (1H, br d, 1 x Ar-H) .

Synthesis ?i K35 i C2¾ \C2>5 Synthe is of 1C3S and 1C37 % Palladium on Carbon method. 1«7 1C1 (200 mg, 0.8 mmol) was dispersed in methanol (20 ml) and to this was added 5% Palladium on carbon (100 mg) . The mixture was stirred under hydrogen for 12 hours. The Palladium was removed by filtration and the solvent was removed to afford the crude reaction product. Flash column chromatography (eluent : petroleum spirits b.p. 40- - - ethyl acetate 95 : 5 ) afforded 1C37 126 mg, 66.23% and 1C36 37 mg, 18.35%.

NMR data for 1C37: where distinguishable the values for the minor are itallised. lH NMR (CDClj, 300 MHz) 6H 194-2.17 (1H, m, CO-CHJ , 2.36- 3. 49 (6H, m, 3 x Cik) , 3.98-4.14 (1H, m, CH-CH.CH2CH2) , 6.73-7.14 (1H, m, 1 x Ar-fi) , 7.15-7. 31 (3H, n, " 1.x Ar-fi), 7.33-7.42 (2H, m, 1 x Ar-H) , 7.49-7.52 (1H, m, 1 x Ar-H) , 7.77-7.88 (1H, m, Ar-H) . l3C NMR (CDC13 , 75.47 MHz) Sc 25.9, 26,2, 29. 6 , 30.9,: 31.5, C 31.7 (3 x £H2), 45.0, 45.1, 49.6 (2 x £H) , 123.2, 123.7, 124.5, 126.0, 126.3, 126.5, 126.7, 134.5 (8 x Ar-£H) , 134.7, 137.3, 137.5, 143.0, 144.2, 144.5, 154.0, 154.4 (4 x Ar-£), 207.8, 208.1 (Q O) .

NMR Data for IC36 .

Low resolution mass spectra: Found M+234 Required M*234 !H NMR (CDClj, 300 MHz) δΗ 1.97 & 2.30 (2H, 2 x br ra, CHCHjCHz), 3.00 3.22 & 3.45 (8H, 3 x br m, 3 x <¾ & 2 x CHCH) , 7. 30 ( 8H, m, 8 x Ar-H) · ^ t3C NMR (CDCI3, 300 MHz) Sc 29.8, 31".3, 36.9, 38.0 (4 x £H2), 43.7, 49.5 (2 x £H), 124.2, 124.3, 124.3, 124.5, 124.5, 126.0, 126.1, 126.4 (8 x Ar-£H), 143 . 3 , 143.6 , 144.4, 146.4 (4 x Ar-£) 3: :r SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 28) Synthesis of 1C38 tC3% lH NMR (CDClj, 300 MHz) 6B 1.88 (3H, s, OCOCHj), 3.55 (2H, t, J = 2.7 Hz, C=CHCH2), 3.58 (2H, ab q, J=17.0 Hz, CCHj), 4.55, 4.91 (2H, 2 x d, J=10.7 Hz, C&O-COCHj), 7.16 (3H, br m, 3 x Ar-fl), 7.45 (3H, m, 3 x Ar-H) , 7.65 (1H, dt, J=6 Hz, 1.32 Hz 1 x Ar-H) , 7.9 (1H, d, J=6Hz, 1 x Ar-H) .

C NMR (CDClj, 75.47 MHz) 6C 20.5 (£HjCOO) , 36.3, 37.8 (2 x£H2), 54.2 (£CO), 66.7 ( H2OCOCH3), 120.1, 124.1, 124.4, 124.9, 126.0, 126.4, 127.6, 131.3, 135.3, 136.2, 141.5, 142.6, 144.7, 152.6 (8 x Ar-£H & 4 x Ar-£ & 1 x ς=£Η) , 170.6 (CHj£00), 205.1 (C*0) .

Synthesis of 1C39 ft 1C4Q IC3? ICA>0 To a stirred solution of the diastereomixture of 1C2S & 1C26 (150 mg, 0.44 mmol) in DCM (5 ml) was added 3,5- dimethylphenyl isocyanate (72 mg, 0.48 mmol, l.leq) and triraethylsilyl chloride (10 mol%). The mixture was left stirring under a nitrogen atmosphere for 24 hours. . The solvent was then evaporated off on the rotary evaporator.

The residue which remained was passed through a plug of silica. The diastereoisomers were separable on TLC and hence were separated by flash column chromatography. 1C39 i & 1C40 were isolated giving a total yield of (0.13 g, 60%). 1C39 *H NMR (CDClJr 300 MHz) 6„ 2.33 (6H, br s, 2 x Ar-Cflj), 3.13 (2H, br s, 1 x C&), 3.21 (1H, d, J=13.3Hz, CH of C&), 3.52 (2Hf d, 7.14 Hz, PhCHj), 3.75 (1H, d, J=13.3Hz, CH of Cfib), 5.92 (1H, t, J=2.0Hz, CH=C), 6.34 (1H, br s, ArNfiCOO), 6.65 (1H, s, Ar-fl), 6.72-7.41 (15H, br m, 15 x Ar-fl) . 1C40 'Η NMR (CDCIJ, 300 MHz) SH 2.20 (6H, br s, 2 x Ar-CHj), 2.64 (1H, d, J=13.1Hz, CH of CH2) , 3.07 (1H, d, J=15.8Hz, CH of Ofe), 3.41 (4H, m, 4 x CH of Cfl2's), 5.91 (1H, br s, Cfl=C), 6.03 (1H, s, ArNflCOO), 6.58 (4H, m, 4 x Ar-fl) , 7.10-7.40 (9H, br m, 9 x Ar-fl), 7.50 (1H, d, J=7.2Hz, 1 x Ar-fl), 7.70 (1H, d, J=7.7Hz, 1 x Ar-fl) , 7.78 (1H, d, J=7.5Hz, 1 x Ar-fl) .

- - Synthesis of 3-( 3 ' -Bromo-2 ' , ' - dimethylphenyl ) -l~chloro- 3-oxopropane (1) and 3-(4*-bromo- 3 ',5'- dimethylphenyl) - 1- chloro-3-oxopropane (2). (1) (2) To a mixture of A1C13 (10.0 g, 75 mmol) in CS2 (50 ml) was added dropwise fl-chloropropionylchloride (7.48 g, 59 mmol). To this mixture was added bromo-jn-xylene (10 g, 54 mmol) in CSZ (10 ml) dropwise over 30 minutes at 0°C. The reaction mixture was stirred for a further 3 hours at room temperature and then poured onto iced water. To this mixture was added ethyl acetate. The organic layer was isolated and the aqueous layer was extracted with ethyl acetate (2 x 100 ml). The combined organic layers were washed with water (2 x 100 ml) and dried with Na2S0«. After evaporation of solvent the crude products (1) and (2) were isolated.

Synthesis of 6-Bromo-5,7- dimethylindan-1-one (3) and 5-Bromo-4,6 - dimethylindan-l-one (4). (3) (4) A solution of the crude products (1) and (2) (12.0 g) in concentrated sulphuric acid (75 ml) was heated on an oil bath at 80°C (optimum temperature). After 3 hours the reaction mixture was poured onto iced water (400 ml) and to this ethyl acetate was added. The organic layer was isolated and the aqueous layer was extracted with ethyl acetate (2 x 250 ml). All the organic phases were combined and dried with Na2S0*. Flash column chromatography over silica gel (eluent: petroleum spirit (b.p. 40-60°C): ether, 9:1) afforded compounds (3) (56%) and (4) (42%). lH NHR (CDCI3, 0300 MHz) 6B (Compound 3) 2.46 (3H, s, Cft), 2.71 (3H, s, CH3), 2.65 (2H, t, J=6.0 Hz, C&) , 2.95 (2H, t, J=6.0 Hz, CHj), 7.16 (1H, s, Ar-H) . nC NMR (CDClj, 75.47 MHz) Sc (Compound 3) 17.8, 24.4 (2 x £H3), 24.9, 37.3 (2 x £H2), 125.8 (Ar-£H) , 127.9, 133.4, 138.8, 144.6, 154.4 (5 x Ar-CJ , 206.3 (£ » O) . Ή NMR (CDClj, 300 MHz) δΗ (Compound 4) 2.35 (3H, s, CHj), 2.39 (3H, s, CHj), 2.61 (2H, t, Cifc) , 2.94 (2H, t, CH2), 7.37 (1H, s, Ar-H). 13C NMR (CDClj, 75.47 MHz) 6C (Compound 4) 18.8, 24.1 (2 x CHj), 25.2, 36.2 (2 x £H2) , 121.9 (Ar-£H) , 134.9, 135.6, 136.0, 137.8, 152.2 (5 x Ar-£) , 206.2 (£ = O) .

Synthesis of 1C41 Aluminium tri-tert-butoxide method.

Synthesis of 1C41 After evaporation of the eluent 1C41 was obtained as an oil 10%. Ή N R (CDClj/ 300 MHz) 6H 2.51 (3H, s, CHj) , 2.48 (3H, s, Cfib), 2.46 (3H, s, Cib), 2.85 (3H, s, (¾), 2.82 and 2.88 (2H, m, OCH2CHj), 3.49 (2H, m, OC&CH,), 3.52 (2H, s, 7.11 and 7.14 (2H, 2 x s, 2 x Ar-H) . l3C NMR (CDClj 75.47 MHz) 6C 17.5, 24.5, 24.6, 25.1 (4 x £H3) , 31.3, 33.6, 34.1 (3 x £H2) , 124.7, 124.9, (2 x Ar-CH), 127.4, 128.1, 130.5, 134.2, 135.4, 138.8, 140.1, 140.4, 143.9, 147.1, 148.4 and 154.9 (Ar-ς and 194.9 (ς=0>.

Formation of cvclicfcetal of 1-indanone To a solution of toluene/ethylene glycol (2:1, 150 ml) wa added indan-l-one (1.0 g, 7.57 mmol) and a catalytic amount of p-toluenesulfonic acid approx 1-2 mol %. The biphasic solution was then left refluxing and continuously dried by azeotropic distillation for 24 hours. The solution was then cooled and to it was added solid sodium bicarbonate approx 1.0 g. Evaporation of the solvent left a mobile oil which was partitioned between ether and water 1:1 (300 ml). The organic layer was isolated and the aqueous layer extracted with 2 x 100 ml of diethyl ether.

The combined organic layers were dried with sodium sulphate. Filtration followed by evaporation left a mobile oil/ which was passed through a plug of silica.

Evaporation of the eluent left the cyclic acetal as a mobile oil, (0.60 g, 45%). c *H NMR (CDClj, 300 MHz) 8H 2.34 (2H, t, J=6.8 Hz, CHj), 2.99 (2H, t, J=6.8 Hz, (¾), 4.18 (4H, m, 2 x 0C&), 7.27 (4H, br m, 4 x Ar-H) . l3C NMR (CDClj, 75.47 MHz) Sc 28.3, 36.9 (2 x £H2), 65.2 (2 x£H2), 117.0 (0-C-O), 122.9, 125.0, 126.7, 129.3 (4 x Ar-£H), 141.8, 144.1 (2 x Ar-£) .

Synthesis of hydroxy ketone 1C42 iMe3 To a stirred solution of the silyl enol ether of indan-1- one (0.40 g, 1.96 mmol) and the 1,3 dioxalone of indan-1- one (0.40 g, 2.27 nunol) at -78°C in DCM (3 ml) was added TMS triflate 20 ml. The solution was left stirring at -78°C for 2 hours. To this solution was then added solid sodium bicarbonate approx 1 g and the mixture rapidly stirred and allowed to reach room temperature. The solution was then decanted off and passed through a plug of silica eluting with ethyl acetate: petroleum ether 1:9 grading to ethyl acetate: etroleum ether 3:2. Evaporation of the eluent left the hydroxy ketone 1C42 as a mobile oil (0.30 g, 50.5%). l NMR (CDClj, 300 MHz) 5a 2.10-3.71 (11H, br m, 5 x C& & 2 x CH), 7.19-7.30 (12H, br in, 12 x Ar-H), 7.50 (2Hr t, 2 x Ar-H) , 7.65, 7.80 (2H, d, 2 x Ar-H) · 13C NMR (CDClj, 75.47 MHz) 6C 29.3, 29.6 (£H2) , 30.9 ( H2), 32.4, 33.4 (CH2), 48.7, 53.4 {QH) , 60.3, 61.8 (0CH£H20H), 63.7, 64.7 (0£H2CH2OH), 89.5, 90.2 (OHCH2CH20£) , 123.7, 123.8, 124.6, 124.7, 125.0, 126.1, 126.2, 127.2, 127.5, 128.6, 128.9, 134.6, 134.9 (8 x Ar-CH), 137.7, 141.5, 145.2, 153.5 (4 x Ar-ς) , 206.9 ( »0) .

Svnthcsia of 1C44 lH NMR (CDClj, 300 MHz) 5a 3.02 (1H, dd, J=2.6. 16.9 Hz, CH OF Cife), 3.23 (2H, q, J=16.0 and 7.3 Hz, CHj) , 3.52 (1H, dd, J=8.6 and 8.6 Hz, CH of Cife), 4.59 (1H, dd, J=8.6 and 1.4 Hz, CHCH2), 6.08 (1H, s, C=CHCH2), 7.16-7.40 (8H, br m, 8 x Ar-H), 7.94 (1H, d, J»7.8 Hz, 1 x Ar-H) . 1JC NMR (CDC13, 75.47 MHz) 8C 37.2, 37.6 (2 x CH2), 39.8 (1 x CH), 118.9, 123.4, 123.9, 124.9, 125.6, 126.0, 127.4, 128.0, 132.3 (9 x Ατ-ςΗ and 1 x C=£H), 142.7, 143.5, 144.3, 148.0 (4 x Ar-C).

Coupling reaction of the corresponding sily¾ enol ether of indan-2-one to the corresponding dimethyl acetal o indan- Synthesis of a silyl enol ether of indan-2-one (7) To a stirred solution of indan-2-one (1.0 g, 7.57 mmol) and triethylamine (0.84 g, 1.16 ml, 8.32 mmol) in dichloromethane at 0°C was added trimethylsilyl trifluoromethanesulfonate (1.68 g, 1.36 ml, 7.58 mmol). The solution was left stirring at 0°C for 15 minutes and then the solution was rapidly passed through a plug of silica, eluting with petroleum ether (b.p. 40-60'C): ethyl acetate 100 : 0.5. After evaporation of the eluent the silyl enol ether was isolated as a clear colourless oil (7), 0.50 g, 77.0%..

Synthesis of dimethyl acetal of indan-2-one. (6) To a stirred solution of indan-2-one (1.0 g, 7.57 nunol) in methanol (12 ml) was added trimethyl orthoformate (2 ml) and p-toluenesulfonic acid (approx 1 mol %). The solution was then allowed to stir at room temperature for 2 hours. To this solution was then added solid sodium bicarbonate (approx. 0.50 g) . The methanol was evaporated from the reaction mixture. The crude solid was then partitioned between ether : water (1 : 1) (50 ml). The organic layer was isolated and the aqueous,, layer extracted with ether (3 x 20 ml). The combined organic layers were dried with sodium sulphate. After evaporation of the solvent the crude product was then passed through a plug of silica, eluting with petroleum ether 100% grading to petroleum ether : ethyl acetate, 100:1.'': After evaporation of the eluent the dimethyl acetal of indan-2-one was isolated as a clear colourless oil 0.80 g, 60%. lH NMR (CDC13, 300 MHz) 6B 3.21 (4H, s, 2 x Cfij), 3.35 (6H, s, 2 x OOCHj), 7.22 (4Hf s, 4 x Ar-fi) . 13C NMR (CDC13, 75.47 MHz):Sc 41.2, 41.2 (2 x £H2), 49.4, 49.4 (2 x 0£¾),,r111.4. (£(OMe)2), 124.5, 124.5, 126.5, 126.5 (4 x Ar-£H), 139.8, 139.8 (2 x q£) .

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 2S$ - - Synthesis of 2C1 AC V To a stirred solution of the silyl enol ether of indan-2-one (?) (0.80g, 3.92 mmol) and the corresponding dimethyl acetal of indan-2-one (0.70g, 3.92 mmol) in dichloromethane at -78eC, was added a catalytic amount of TMS Triflate (30 μΐ). The solution was left stirring at -78eC for 3 hours and then allowed to reach -50°C for 1 hour. To this solution was then added a 5% solution of sodium bicarbonate (approx 20 ml). The organic layer was isolated and the aqueous layer extracted with dichloromethane (2 x 20 ml). The combined organic layers were dried with sodium sulphate. After evaporation of the solvent, the crude product was passed through a plug of silica, eluting with petroleum ether 100% grading to petroleum ether : ethyl acetate, 100:4. After evaporation of the eluent 2C1 was isolated as a solid 0.72 g, 74.3%.

Low resolution mass spectra: Found M*246.

Required M*246.

*H NMR (CDClj, 300 MHz) S„ 3.45 (2H, s, qfc) , 4.10 (2Hr s, <¾), 4.40 (2H# s, C&), 7.45 (8H, m, 8 x Ar-fl) .

"C NMR (CDClj, 75.47 MHz) Sc 40.7, 41.2, 42.7 ~(3 x £H2) , 123.5, 124.3, 124.6, 125.1, 126.7, 127.0, 127.2, 127.5 (8 x Ar-QH), 129.6, 137.4, 139.2, 140.2, 141.1, 154.2 (4 x Ar-£ & 2 x £= ), 204.0 (£=0).

Synthesis of 2C1 Potassium tert-butoxide method. e Potassium tert-butoxide (4.25 g, 37 mmol) in ebutanol (125 ml) and ether (10 ml) were added dropwise over 20 minutes, £ to a stirring solution of indan-2-one≤(5.0 g, 37 mmol) in ether (25 ml) and ebutanol (5 ml). The reaction mixture was then left stirring overnight. , The crude product was partitioned between ethyl acetate and saturated aqueous ammonium chloride. The organic layer was isolated and the aqueous phase was re-extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layers were combined and dried over sodium sulphate. On evaporation of the solvent the crude product was obtained. Flash column chromatography was used to purify' -the required product (eluent.: petroleum ether (b.p. 40 - 60°C) t ethyl acetate, 9:1). On recrystallisation with ether 2C1 was obtained as a white crystalline solid,.0 41.12%. T Low resolution mass spectra: Found M*246.

Required M*246. Ή NMR (CDClj, 300 MHz) 6„ 3.45 (2H, s, C&), 4.10 (2H, s C&), 4.40 (2H, s, Qfc), 7.45 (8H, m, 8 x Ar-fi) . l3C NMR (CDC13, 75.47 MHz) Sc 40.7, 41.2, 42.7, (3 x £H2), 123.5, 124.3, 124.6, 125.1, 126.7, 127.0, 127.2, 127.5 (8 x Ar-£H), 129.6, 137.4, 139.2, 140.2, 141.1, 154.2, (4 x Ar-£ & 2 x £ = ς) , 204.0 (£=0).

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 28) fot sa ua sext-butoxide saethod 2C2 A ter evaporation of the eluent 2C2 was isolated as a pale yellow oil .

Lev resolution mass spectrai Found M'2S0, H*-15=245 Required M*260. lH HMR (CCC1). 300 MHs) SK 1.70 (3H, sr Qfc), 3.39 <2H, br S, CSz), 3.71 (2H, ab q, J-22.5 Hs, C0C&), (lHr br 3, Ql) # 7.17 (9H, br a, 8 x Ar-fi) .

"C HHR (CCCl,, 75.47 MHz) Sc 22.5 (£¾), 38.2, 41.6 ( 2 x £¾), 57.2 (ς£), 120.7, 123.5, 124.5, 124.6, 124.7, 126.3, 127.7, 127.8, 128.9 (8 x Ar-CH & 1 x C*fiH) , 135.S, 143.5, 144.1, 146.1, 149.8 (4 x Ar-ς ft 1 x £=CH), 215.5 (C=0) .

SOSS7T3 3T1 SiSS^T {W 22) - 7ί LDA ¾atacd A three necked 100 ml round bottomed flask was oven dried and fitted with a septum and a nitrogen inlet line. The flask was then evacuated and heated with a heat g n to dry. To this flask, which was filled with nitrogen was added indan-2-one diner 2C1 (500 mg, 2.0 nmol) in dry THF (25 ml). The solution was cooled to -78°C with a liquid nitrogen/ethyl acetate bath and lithium diisoproeylamide (LDA) in THF/heptane/ethyl benzene (1.0 ml of 2M solution of LDA) was added. After stirring for 10 minutes at -78eC, iodomethane (1.14 g, 8.0 nmol, 4 equivalents) was added and the solution was allowed to vara to rooo temperaturs for 3 hours under vacuum and in a nitrogen atmosphere.

SUBSTITUTEsissr (HUUi - - To this solution was added ether (30 ml) and aqueous ammonium chloride solution (30 ml). The organic layer was isolated and the aqueous layer was extracted with ether (2 x 30 ml). The combined organic extracts were dried over sodium sulphate and on evaporation of the solvent afforded an oil. The crude product was purified by flash column chromatography (eluent : petroleum ether (b.p. 40-60eC) : ethyl acetate, 9:1) , to yield 2C2.

Low resolution mass spectra: Found M*260, M* -15 s 245.

Required M*260.

!H NMR (CDCla, 300 MHz) 6E 1.70 (3H, s, CHj), 3.38 (2H, s CC&), 3Γ68 (2H, q, J=22.5, C0CH2)# 6.40 (1H, br s, CH) , 7.17 (8H, m, 8 x Ar-HJ . l3C NMR (CDC13, 75.47 MHz) 6C 22.6 (£H3), 38.2, 41.6 (2 x £H2), 57.2 (q£), 120.7, 123.5, 124.5, 124.6, 124.7, 126.3, 127.7, 127.8, 128.9 (8 x Ar-QH & 1 x C=£H), 135.5, 143.5, 144.1, 146.1, 149.8 (4 x Ar-£ S i £=CH), 215.5 (£=0).

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 28) Synthesis of 2C3 The reaction yield for 2C3 was 27 mg, 24.24%, H NMR (CDClj, 300 MHz) Sa 0.71 (3H t, CH2CBJ), 2.05 & 2.40 (2H, 2 x br m, CH2CH3) , 3.40 (2H, d, 3.57 (2H, ab q, COCik), 6.34 (lHr br s, CHSC), 7.25 (8H, br m, 8 x Ar- Η)· C NMR (CDCI3, 75.47 MHz) 6C 9.5 (CH£H3), 29.7, 38,4, 42.7 (3 x Q 2), 62.5 (q£), 120.7, 123.6, 124.5, 124.8, 125.2, 126.3, 127.7, 127.7, 129.9 (8 x Ar-£H S i x C=£H), 136.7, 143.5, 143.9, 144.1, 149.7 (4 x Ar-£ s i x £=CH), 216.1 {£=0) . suBsrrrun SHEET (RULE 2S) Synthesis of 2C4 and 2C5 2C 2C1 (100 mg, 0.04 mmol) was dispersed in ethanol (10 mi) and, ethyl acetate (5 ml) and to this was added 5% Palladium on carbon (0.01 g) . The mixture was stirred under nitrogen for 14 hours. The Palladium residues were removed by filtration and the solvent was removed to afford the crude reaction product. Flash column chromatography (eluent : petroleum spirits b.p. 40-60°C : ethyl acetate 95:5) afforded 2C4 (83 mg, 83.0%) and 2C5 { 10.0 mg, 10%) .

NMR data for 2C4 Ή NMR (CDClj, 300 MH2) Sa 3.30 (2H, br s, HC-CCi ) , 3.69(2H, ab qr J = 7.43 Hz COQfc), 5.38 ( 1H, d, J = 25.23 Hz CHCOCHj), 6.94 (1H, d, J = 7.47 Hz 1 x Ar-H), 7.30 (8H, br m, 7 x Ar-fl & 1 x C=CHCH2) . 13C NMR (CDClj, 75.47 MHz) 6C 37.6 & 43.5 (2 x £H2) , 54.3 (£HC=CHCH2), 120.6, 123.7, 124.7, 125.0, 125.1, 126.5, 127.5, 127.6, 136.5, (8 x Ar-£H & 1 x C=£H) , 137.4, 141.7, 143.0, 143.4, 145.0, (4 x Ar-£ & 1 x £=CH) 215.7 (C=0) .

NMR data for 2C5 *H NMR (CDC13, 300 MHz) 6H 3.0, 3.02, 3.40 (8H, 3 x br m, 3 x CHa & CH-CH), 4.65 (1H, br d, J = 2.19 Hz CEOH) , 7.20 (7H, br m, 7 x Ar-fl), 7.47 (1H, ab m, 1 x Ar-HJ . 13C NMR (CDC13, 75.47 MHz) Sc 38.4, 38.5 (2 x £H2) , 39.4 (1 x £H), 41.2 (£H2), 55.3 (£H2), 75.6 (£HOH), 124.2, 124.2, 125.1, 125.2, 126.1, 126.1, 126.6, 126.7 (8 x Ar-£H) , 141.3, 142.8, 143.3, 143.6 (4 x Ar-£) .

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (HULE 25) - S3 - 2C6 : 1-( 2-indenyl)-l-prop-2-en 1-2-indanone The synthesis uses the same procedure as for 2C3, but using allylbromide rather than ethyl iodide. lH NMR (CDC13, 300 MHz) Sa. l3C NMR (CDClj, 75.47 MHa) Sc 38.3, 41.1, 41.9, 44.2 (4 x Clfc), 57.3, 60.2 (2 X ςΗ), 118.6, 124.5, 126.2, 127.7, 130.5, 132.8, 133.6, 133.7 (8 xAr-H) 143.0, 143.7, 143.9. 148.7 (4 π Ar-C), 217.8 (C=0).

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 25) Synthesis of 2C7 Alkylation of 2C1 Yield (57 mg, 42%) Ή NMR (CDClj, 300 MHz) SH 3.22 - 3.80 (6H, m, C&'s), 6.63 (1H, s, CH.»C), 6.83-7.42 (8H, m, 8 x Ar-fi) .

UC NMR (CDClj, 75.47 MHz) 6C 38.9, 42.8, 43.6 (3 x £H2) , 63.4 (q£), 120.9, 123.6, 124.6, 124.7, 125.8, 126.3, 126.3, 126.4, 126.4, 127.4, 127.4, 127.7, 127.8, 129.5, 130.2 (13 x Ar-£H & 2 x C=£H), 136.1, 136.7, 143.3, 143.5, 149.2 (5 x Ar-£), 216.3 (£=0).

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 25) - - Synthesis of 2C8 2C7 (100 ag, 0.3 mmol) was dissolved in - ethyl acetate:ethanol (2:1, 10 ml) to this solution was added NaBH* (100 mg) . The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 2 hrs. The product was extracted into ethyl acetate and the product was purified by flash column chromatography being isolated as a mixture of diasteriomers 2C8 (0.067 g, 66.1%). lH NMR (CDClj, 300 MHz) oa 2.65-3.60 (6H, m, C&'s), 4.66 7.39 ,(13H, m, 13 . p ■..-.·' <*» 39.6 (3 x ςΗ:) , 58.8, 60.3 (g£), 78.4, 80.4 (CHOH), 120.5, 123.4, 124.0, 125.0, 125.6, 126.0, 126.3, 126.3, 126.5, 127.3, 127.6, 127.7, 128.1, 130.3, 130.5 (13 x Ar-QH & C=£H) , 138.2, 139.8, 142.9, 144.7, 145.5, 152.7 (5 x Ar-£ S i x ς-CH) .

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 25) Usual procedure using 10% palladium on carbon. (0.078 g, 76.51).

*H NMR (CDClj, 300 MHz) o91.96 (1H, br S, CHOfi), 2.55 (1H, q, J=8.13, 12.4 Hz, CHOHCHj), 2.69-2.83 (2Hf in, C&CHCHj), 2.99 (1H, d, J*l3.4Hz, 1H of AR-CHj), 3.10-3.21 (2H, m, CH2CHCH2), 3.19 (1H, d, J-13.4 Hz, 1H of Ar-Cft), 3.28-3.36 (1H, m, CH of CHCHj), 3.48-3.56 (1H, a, CH of CH2CHCHj), 4.66 (1H, t, J=9.9Hz, CgOH), 6.61 (1H, d, J=7.5Hz, Ar-CH), 6.84 (,1H, t, J=2.0Hz, Ar-CH), 7.09-7.38 (ilH, m, Ar-H) . liC NMR SUBSTITUTE SHEST (RULE 25) Synthesis ©£ 2C1Q 2C3 200 2C8 (100 nig, 0.3 mmol) was dispersed in clean dry DCM (S ml) to this was added triethylamine (0.1 nl)r acetic anhydride (0.2S ml) and DMAP (0.05 g) . The reaction was stirred at room temperature for IS minutes. The crude reaction mixture was then passed through a column, eluting with petroleum ether:ethyl acetate, 9:1.

*H HMR (CCClj, 300 MHz) ca 2.34 (3H, 2 s, COCfi) , 2.89* 3.65 (6H, m, 3 x Cj&), 5.75 (1H, m, CflQAc), 6.93 (1H, t, J*2.2Hz* C=CH) » 6.95-7.52 (13H, m, Ar-CH) .

UC NHR (CCC13, 75.47MHz) ac 20.6, 21.0 (CCCHj) , 36.8, 37.4, 39.1, 39.4, 40.4, 40.6 (3 x £¾), 57.2, 58.7 (g£), 79.40, 80.9 (£H0K), 120.4, 120.5, 123.2, 123.3, 124.1, 124.2, 124.5, 124.7, 125.5, 125.9, 126.0, 126.1, 126.2, 126.4, 126.6, 127.3, 127.3, 127.4, 127.5, 127.8, 127.7, 128.4, 128.4, 129.5, 129.8, 130.3, 130.8 (13 x Ar- H), 136.8, 137.5, 139.5, 140.2, 140.7, 142.8, 143.3, 144-3, 144.9, 145.1, 150.6, 151.7 (5 x Ar-C and 1 x£»CH), 170.1, 170.2 (CCC¾). - as - To an iced cooled solution of 2C8 (0.10 g, 0.29S mrnol) was added metane sulphonyl chloride (37.3 mg, 0.323.amel) as a solution in DCH ( 1 ml) . To this solution was then added dropwise a solution of diisopropyl ethylamine (42.0 mg, 0.325 mnol) in C!f (1 ml) . The reaction solution was allowed to stir at 0°C for 1 hour. The solution was then loaded on to a column of flash silica. The product mesylate was eluted out with petroleum spirits: thyl acetate 9:1. Bvapaporation of the eluent left the mesylate 2C15 as a mobile oil (0.11 q, 891). 2C11 was isolated as a side product in the reaction.

SUBSTITUTS SHSsr&m& S» 83 - Synthesis of 2C12 Coupling of 3-Bromo indan-1-οηβ to the silyl enol ether of indan-l-one To a stirred solution of the silyl enol ether of indan-l-one (0.8g, 3.92 mmol) and the corresponding 3-Bromo indan-l-one (0.82g, 3.92 mmol) in dichloromethane. at_-78eC, was added a catalytic amount of TMS Triflate (30 ,μΐ) . j The solution was left stirring at -78*C for 10 mintand at room temperature for 3 hours. To this solution was.then added solid sodium bicarbonate (approx 2 g) and the solutio was stirred rapidly for 10 minutes. The solution was then filtered and the filtrate was evaporated to leave a mobile oil which was passed through a plug of silica elutant with petroleum ether : ethyl acetate, 9:2. After evaporation of the eluent, 2C12 was obtained as a yellow solid, 38%.

Low resolution mass spectra: Found M*262 Require Μ*2δ2 lH NMR (CDClj, 300 MHz) Sa 1.91 (1H, dd, J»3.3 Hz, CH of C&), 235 <1H, dd, J»4.05 Hz, CH of C&), 2.65 (1H, dd, J=7.8 Hz, CH of CJfc), 2.89 (1H, dd, CH of C&), 3.36 & 4.22 SUBSTITUTE SHEET(RULE 2S) {2H, 2 x m, 2 x CH.CS) , 7.38 (3H, in, 3 x Ar-HJ , 7.53 (1H, dd, J=1.2 Hz, 1 x Ar-HJ, 7.60 (2H, m, 2 x Ar-M) , 7.75 (2H, 2 x t, J=1.2 Hz, 2 x Ar-H) . l3C NMR (CDC13, 75.47 MHz) 6C 27.6, 37.9 (2 x £H2) , 37.7, 49.7 (2 x £H), 123.6, 123.9, 125.1, 126.5, 127.6, 127.9, 135.0, 135.1, (8 x Ar-CH), 136.6, 137.3, 153.7, 156.4 (4 x Ar-£), 205.1, 206.5 (2 x £=0).

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 25) Synthesis of 2C14 OCOCH, 2C14 The resultant alcohol from the sodium borohydride reduction of 2C12 (200 mg, 0.75mmol) was dissolved in clean, dry OC (5 ml). To this solution was added triethylamine (0.36 ml), DMAP (O.lg) and acetic anhydride (0.25 ml/ 10 equivalents). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for IS minutes and passed through a plug of silica eluting with petroleum spirit (b.p. 40-60°C) : ethyl acetate (8:2) to afford 2C14 (140 mg, 53.3%). lH NMR (CDClj, 300 MH2) SH 1.94-2.06 (1H, m, Cfl of CH2), 2.07 (3H, s, OCOCHj), 2.08 (3H, s, OCOCft), 2.70-3.00 (4H, m, Cfl, C& Cfl of CH2), 3.54-3.62 (1H, m, CflCH2CHO), 6.17 (1H, t, J=2.85Hz, CHjCflO), 6.32 (1H, d, J=5.7Hz, CHCflO), 7.21-7.52 (8H, m, Ar-Cfl) "CNMR (CDCI3, 75.47 MHz) 6C 22.4, 22.4 (2 x C0£H3) , 34.7, 36.7 (2 x £H2), 41.9, 48.5 (2 x £H), 76.8, 77.6 (2 x £HOCOCH3), 124.0, 124.4, 125.4, 126.3, 126.6, 127.1, 129.0, 129.1 (8 x Ar-£H) , 140.9, 141.3, 143.7, 145.9 (4 x Ar-£) , 170.8, 170.9 (2 x 0CH3) SUBSTTTUTS SHEET (RULE 26) Synthesis of 2C1S 2C7 206 2C7 (100 mg) was dissolved in pyridine (0.5 ml) and to this was added hydroxylamine hydrochloride (300 mg) and methanol (3 ml) was added. The solution was then allowed to reflux for 1 hour. The reaction was then quenched with 2M aqueous HCl (10 ml) and the product was extracted into ether and dried with Na2S04. The crude reaction mixture was then passed through a flash silica column, eluting with petroleum ether:ethyl acetate, 8:2. On evaporation of the desired eluent 2C16 was obtained as a mixture of syn and anti isomers (80 mg). lH NMR (CDClj, 300 MHz) σΗ 2.86-3.76 (6H, br m, 3 x Cifc) , 6.80-7.36 (14H, br m, 13 x Ar-H, 1 x OCH) . nC NMR (CDClj, 75.47MHz) ac 33.7, 33.9 (£H2) 1 39.1, 41.4 (£H2), 46.3, 47.7 (£H2), 58.1, 58.6 (qC), 120.9, 123.5, 124.4, 124.6, 124.7, 124.8, 126.0, 126.1, 126.3, 126.4, 127.1, 127.1, 127.1, 127.3, 127.5, 127.8, 130.4, 130.4, 130.4 (Ar-£H and C=£H), 136.7, 137.2, 138.5, 138.7, 143.5, 144.0, 144.5, 145.2, 152.8 (Ar-£0, 167.4, 167.7 (£=N-OH) .

Coupling reaction of the corresponding silyl enol ethez; of indan-l-one to the corresponding dimethyl acstal of indan-¾--onel, Synthesis of a silyl enol ether of indan-l-one ...... L?3L i1 :;: To a stirred solution of indan-l-one (1.0 g, 7.57 mmol) and triethylamine (0.84 g, 1.16 oil, 8.32 mmol) in dichloromethane at 0°C was added trimethylsilyl trifluoromethanesulfonate (1.68 g, 1.36 ml, 7.58 mmol). The solution was left stirring at 0°C for 15 minutes and then the solution was rapidl passed through a plug of silica, eluting with petroleum ether (b.p. 40-60eC) : ethyl acetate 100 t 0.5. After evaporation of the eluent the silyl enol ether was isolated as a clear colourless oil (5) (1.0 g, 77.0%).

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 2S) Synthesis of dimethyl acetal of indan-2-one To a stirred solution of indan-2-one (1.0 g, 7.57 romol) in methanol (12 ml) was added trimethyl orthoformate (2 ml) and p-toluenesulfonic acid (approx 1 mol %) . The solution was then allowed to stir at room temperature for 2 hours. To this solution was then added solid sodium bicarbonate (approx. 0.50 g) . The methanol was evaporated from the reaction mixture. The crude solid was then partitioned between ether : water (1:1) (50 ml). The organic layer was isolated and the aqueous layer extracted with ether (3 x 20 ml). The combined organic layers were dried with sodium sulphate. After evaporation of the solvent the crude product was then passed through a plug of silica, eluting with petroleum ether 100% grading to petroleum ether : ethyl acetate, 100 : 1. After evaporation of the eluent the dimethyl acetal of indan-2-one was isolated as a clear colourless oil (0.80g, 60%).

*H NMR (CDCI3, 300 MHz) S„ 3.21 (4H, s, 2 x Cfiz) , 3.35 (6H, s, 2 xflOCBj), 7.22 (4H, s, 4 x Ar-fl) . t3C NMR (CDClj, 75.47 MHz) 6C 41.2, 41.2 (£H2) , 49.4, 49.4 (2 x 0£H3), 111.4 (£(0Me)2), 124.5, 124.5, 126.5, 126.5 (4 x Ar-ςΗ), 139.8, 139.8 (2 x g£) .

Synthesis of 3C1 To a stirred solution of the silyl enol ether of indan-1- one (5) (0.80g,.3-92 ounol)sand the corresponding dljnethyl acetal - ;Of ;:; indan-2-one ¾(0.70g ; 3.92 mmol ) -rr in dichloromethane at -7.8eC,; was added "a" catalytic amount of TMS Triflate. The solution. was left stirring at -78°C for 3 hours and then allowed to reach -50eC for 1 hour. To this solution was then added a 5% solution of sodium bicarbonate (approx 20 ml). The organic layer was isolated and the aqueous layer extracted with dichloromethane (2 x 20 ml).. The combined organic layers were dried with sodium sulphate. · After evaporation of the solvent, the crude product was passed through a plug of silica, eluting with petroleum ether 100% grading to petroleum ether : ethyl acetate, 100:4. After evaporation of the eluent 3C1 was isolated as a slightly coloured oil t (0.50 g, 50.5%). On addition of ether to the oil 3C1 crystallised out as white crystals. lH NMR (CDClj, 300 MHz) 6a 3.06 (3H s, OCHj), 3.10 (1H, m, Cfl), 3.37 (2H, q, J»17, CHCHj), 3.21 (2H, s C-Cflz) , 3.30 (2H, br t, Qk), 7.16 (4Hf m, 4 x Ar-fl), 7.57 (1H, t, 1 x Ar-H), 7.59 (1H, d, 1 x Ar-fl) , 7.59 (1H, t, 1 x Ar-H) , 7.73 (1H, d, 1 x Ar-H) · "C NMR (CDClj, 75.47 MHz) Sc: 29.7, 40.6, 41.7 (3 x CH2), 51.1 (CH), 53.5 (OCHj), 87.4 (qC), 123.9, 124.1, 124.3, 126.4, 126.49, 126.52, 127.2, 134.7 (8 x Ar-CH), 137.7, 140.9, 141.5, 153.7 (4 x Ar-C) , 206.3 (C=0) .

SUBSTITUTE SHEET(RULE 2S) - - Synthesis of 3C2 3C1 (200 rag, 0.689 mmol) was dissolved in methanol (3 ml) and DCM (1 ml), to this stirring solution triflic acid (45 μΐ) was added. The reaction mixture was allowed to reflux for 1 hour, a precipitate formed. The solution was then cooled in an ice bath, filtered and the solid was dried. Analysis of this yellow solid provided to be 3C2 (100 mg, 50%). Ή NMR (CDClj, 300 KHz) 8B 3.65, 3.90, 4.40 (6H, 3 x br s, 3 x CHJ), 7.20 (2H, m, 2 x Ar-fl) , 7.35 (3H, m, 3 x Ar-fl), 7.52 (2H, m, 2 x Ar-H) , 7.84 (1H, d, J=7.7 Hz, 1 x Ar-fl).

X3C NMR (CDClj, 75.47 MHz) 6C 31.9, 39.3, 40.2 (3 x H2), 123.8, 124.4, 124.9, 126.1, 126.6, 126.9, 127.3, 135.4 (8 x Ατ-ςΗ), 129.1, 139.1, 139.7, 142.2, 148.4, 154.8 (4 x Ar-ς & 2 x C»C), 193.5 (£=0) .

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 2S) Preparation of 3C3 lH NMR (CDClj, 300 MHz) 8„ 2.62 - 2.90 (2H, m, 3.28 - 3.68 (4H, mf 2 x CH2) , 4.99 - 5.21 (2H, m, CH=CH2), 6.69 (1H, s, C=CiiCH2)r 7:.05-7.30 (3H,~ mr 3f x Ar-H)> a7.34 - 7.42 (2H, in, 2 x Ar-H), 7.48 - 7.56 (1H, dd, J=.87 ¾¾' 7.3 Hz, 1 x Ar-H), 7.56 - 7.67 (1H, ra, 1 x Ar-H) , 7.71 - 7.79 (1H, m 1 x Ar-H) . '·'■' UC NMR (CDClj, 75.47 MHz) Sc 38.3, 38.6, 41.3 (3 x CH2) , 55.8 (qC), 118.7 (CH=£H2), 120.5, 123.4, 124.7, 126.3, 127.6, 127.9, 133.7, 135.1, 135.3 (8 x Ar-CH S i x CH = CH2), 143.2, 144.2, 148.9, 152.5 (4 x Ar-C), 205.9 (C=0) .

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULS 2sa Synthesis of 3C4 Reduction of 3C3 3C¾ 30H 3C3 (100 mg, 0.351 mmol) was dissolved in ethanol (20 ml) and ethyl acetate (10 ml). To this stirring solution Wilkinsons catalyst (0.1 g) was added. The reaction mixture was then stirred under hydrogen for 20 hours. An additional quantity of Wilkinsons catalyst (200 mg) was then added. The reaction was allowed to stir under hydrogen for a further 12 hours. The solvent was then removed and the crude product was purified by flash column chromatography to yield 3C4 (90 mg, 90%). Ή NMR (C Clj, 300 MHz) Sa 1.00 (3H, t, J=1.6Hz, CH2CH2CHj), 1.33 (2H, mr CH2CikCH3), 1.90 (lH m, CH of CIkCH2CHj), 2.10 (1H, m, CH of CH2CH2CH3), 3.45 (2H, ab q, CH=C-Cfl2), 3.54 (2H, ab q, J = 17.7Hz, C-C&), 6.71 (1H, s, CH=C-CH2), 7.14 (1H, dt, J=1.5Hz & 5.7Hz, Ar-fl) , 7.25 (2H, br m, 2 x Ar- H) , 7.36 (2H, br tr 2 x Ar-fl) , 7.52 (1H, br d, Ar-fl) , 7.63 (1H, dt, J=1.0Hz, 7.9Hz, Ar-fi), 7.77 (1H, br d, J=7.7Hz, Ar-fl) . l3C NMR (CDClj, 75.47 MHz) 6C 14.5 (£H3), 18.3, 38.6, 39.0, 39.5 (4 x £H2), 56.5 (q£), 120.5, 123.5, 124.7, 125.1, 126.2, 126.2, 127.0, 127.7, 134.9 (8 x Ar-£H S i x C=£H) , 135.5, 143.3, 144.4, 149.5, 152.5 (4 x Ar-£ 6 1 x CH=£) , 206.6 (£=0).

Synthes is of 3C5 Alkylation of 3C1 3cs 3C1 (400 mg, 1.44 mmol) was dissolved in ether (12 ml) and 'butanol (2ml), to this -benzyl bromide (1.0 g, 0.66 ml, 5.76 mmol) was added - : To , this- stirring solution, potassium tert-butoxide"(160 mg, 1.44 mmol) in ebutanol (7 ml) was added dropwise over 20 minutes. The solution was allowed to stir for 3 hours. To this solution saturated aqueous ammonium chloride solution (20 ml) was added and the organic phase was extracted with ether (2 x 50 ml). The organic layers were combined; dried and the crude product was purified by' flash column chromatography to yield 3C5 (388 mg, 80%).- .a--- *H NMR (CDClj, 300 MHz) δ„ 3.48 (2H, ab q, J=13.0Hz, C&), 3.45 (2H, d, J=7.4Hz, C ), 3.65 (2H, d, CHj), 6.78 (1H, d, J=0.7Hz, CH=C), 7.22-7.45 (11H, br m, 11 x Ar-H), 7.54 (1H, dt, J=1.2Hz 6 7.6Hz, Ar-H), 7.81 (1H, d, J=7.2Hz, Ar- ii) - SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 2S) I3C N R (CDClj, 75.47 MHz) Sc 37.5, 38.8, 42.2 (3 x £H2) , 57.2 (q£), 120.5, 123.4, 124.1, 124.3, 124.5, 125.9, 126.2, 126.4, 127.4, 128.1, 128.3, 129.9, 134.8, (13 x Ar- H & 1 x C=£H), 135.1, 137.3, 143.1, 144.1, 149.1, 152.4 (5 x Ar-C S i x £=CH), 205.9 (£=0) .

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (HULS 2S) Synthesis of 3CS & 3C7 Sodium borohydride reduction of 3CS 3C5 5 fe ¾· 3c.1 3C5 (0.50 g, 1.48 mmol) was dissolved in ethyl acetate : ethanol (2:1, 21 ml) and sodium borohydride (0.50 g, 13.15 mmol) was added to the reaction. The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 3 hours. Evaporation of the solvent left a white solid to which was added DCM (2 ml) and the slurry passed through a plug of silica, eluting with petroleum spirit (b.p. 40-60°C): ethyl acetate, 100:1. The first pair of enantiomers 3C6 were eluted and evaporation of the solvent gave a white solid (0.24 g, 96%). The second pair of enantiomers 3C7 were then eluted and evaporation of the solvent gave a mobile oil (0.24 g, 96%J. 3C5 lH NM (CDClj, 300 MHz ) SH 2.99 (2H, dd, (¾), 3.21 (2H, dd, Ez), 3.45 (2H, ab q, CH.z) , 5.05 (1H, m, CfiOH) , 6.68 (1H, s, J=0.5Hz, CS=C-CH2), 6.96 (2H, m, 2 x Ar-fi), 7.16-7.45 (11H, br m, 11 x Ar-H) .

"C NMR (CDClj, 75.47 MHz) 5C 38.4, 40.4, 43.4 (3 x £H2) , 56.4 (1 x qCJ, 81.8 {1 x £HOH), 120.6, 123.5, 124.3, 124.9, 125.0, 126.3, 126.3, 126/9, 128.0, 128.0, 128.7, 130.2, 130.2, 130.4 (13 x Ar-£H S i x C¾H), 138.1, 141.7, 143.3, 143.7, 144.5, 151.0 (5 x Ar-£ S i x £=CH) . 3C7 JH NMR (CDC13 300 MHz) 6H 2.32 (1H, br m, CHOH), 2.75 & 3.20 (2H, dd, J=13.4Hz, C&) , 3.17 (2H, ab q, J=15.7Hz, C&), 3.55 (2H, ab q, J=22.6 Hz, Cfij), 5.25 (1H, br s, CHOH), 6.52 (1H, d, J=0.4Hz, C=CHJ , 6.91 (2H, dd, 2 x Ar-fi), 7.20 (4H, br m, 4 x Ar-HO, 7.30 (5H, br m, 5 x Ar-H) , 7.50 (2H, br m, 2 x Ar-H) . 13C NMR (COCI3, 75.47 MHz) Sc 29.9, 39.9, 40.4 (3 x £H2) , 55.8 (q£), 83.8 (£HOH), 120.4, 123.5, 123.9, 124.0, 124.9, 126.0, 126.3, 126.8, 127.7, 127.9, 128.3, 128.6, 130.1, 130.4 (13 x Ar-£H S i x C=£H) , 138.3, 140.6, 142.9, 143.8, 144.7, 153.2 (5 x Ar-£ S i x £=CH) .

Synthesis of 3C8 & 3C9 by reduction with Lithium tri-frert- butoxya1uminohydride 3Cc¾ C 3CS (200 mg, 0.593 mmol) was dissolved in dry THF (5 ml) and to this was added lithium tri-tert- butoxyaluminohydride (0.50 g, 1.97 mmol). The solution was allowed to stir for 3 hours. The solvent was removed and the crude reaction mixture was filtered and purified by flash column chromatography to yield 3C8 (90 mg, 9S%) and 3C9 (90 mg, 96%). 3C8 lH NMR (CDC13, 300 MHz) δ„ 2.99 (2H, dd, J=13.7 Hz, CH2) , 3.21 (2H, t, J=4.4Hz, C&), 3.45 (2H, abq, J=22.6Hz, Qfc) , 5.05 (1H, m, CHOH), 6.68 (1H, s, Cfi=C-CH2), 6.96 (2H, m, 2 x Ar-H), 7.16-7.45 (11H, br m, 11 x Ar-fi) .

I3C NMR (CDClj, 75.47 MHz) Sc 38.4, 40.4, 43.4 (3 x £H2) , 56.4 (q£), 81.8 (1 x £HOH), 120.6, 123.5, 124.3, 124.9, 125.0, 126.3, 126.3, 126.9, 128.0, 128.0, 128.7, 130.2, 130.2, 130.4, (13 x Ar-£H S i x C=£H), 138.1, 141.7, 143.3, 143.7, 144.5, 151.0 (5 x Ar-£ S i x £=CH) . 3C9 lH NMR (CDClj, 300 MHz) SH 2.32 (1H, br m, CHOH), 2.99 (2H, dd, Cifc) , 3.55 (2H, ab q, J=22.6Hz, Cfij), 5.25 (1H, br s, CHOH), 6.52 (1H, d, J=0.4Hz, C=CHJ, 6.91 (2H, dd, 2 x Ar-fi) , 7.20 (4H, br ro, 4 x Ar-fi) , 7.30 (5H, br m, 5 x Ar-H) , 7.50 (2H, br m, 2 x Ar-H) . 13C NMR (CDClj, 75.47 MHz) Sc 38.4, 38.5, 40.0 (3 x £H2) , 55.8 (q£), 83.8 (CHOH), 120.4, 123.5, 123.9, 124.0, 124.9, 126.0, 126.3, 126.8, 127.7, 127.9, 128.3, 128.6, 130.1, 130.4 (13 x Ar- H i C=£H) , 138.3, 140.6, 142.9, 143.8, 144.7, 153.2 (5 x Ar-£ S i £=CH) .

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 2S) Synthesis of 3C10 equivalents) . The react on mxture was stirred at room temperature for 15 minutes and passed through a plug of silica eluting with petroleum spirit (b.p. 0-60°C) : ethyl acetate (8:2) to afford -3C10 (45 mgf 80.05%). lH NMR (CDClj, 300 MHz) 6H 2.24 (3H, s, COCfi,), 3.05 - 3.40 (6H, m, 3 x C&), 6.40, 6.53* (2H, 2 ?x s, C=CH and CfiOCOCHj), 6.93 - 6.95 (2H, m, 2 x Ar-fl) , 7.13 - 7.17 (11H, m, 11 x Ar-fl) l3C NMR (CDClj, 75.47 MHz) 6C 21.3 (OCOQH,) , 39.6, 40.6, 40.7 (3 x £H2), 54.4 (qC), 82.8 (£HCC0CH3), 120.5, 123.4, 124.2, 124.5, 125.7, 126.2, 126.3, 126.8, 127.9, 127.9, 128.9, 128.9, 129.4, 129.9, (13 x Ar-£H, vinylic £H), 138.1, 140.6, 142.5, 142.7, 144.5, 151.8, (5 x Ar-£ and 1 x £H»CH2), 170.8 (0£0CH3) SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 25) Synthesis of 3C11 Alkylation of 3C1 3< \ [ 3C1 (200 mg, 0.719 mmol) was dissolved in ether (S ml} and 'butanol (1 ml), to this solution methyl-4-(bromomethyl) benzoate (660 mg, 2.88 mmol) was added. Potassium tert-butoxide (80 mg, 0.719 mmol) was dissolved in eBuOH (6 ml) and ether (1 ml). The cBuO solution was added over a period of 3 hours. The solution was allowed to stir for a further 2 hours. To this solution, aqueous ammonium chloride (20 ml) was added. The organic phase was extracted with ether and the crude reaction mixture was purified by flash column chromatography to yield 3C11 (230 mg,.82%).

*H NMR (CDClj, 300 MHz) S„ 3.29-3.61 (6H, m, 3 x C&), 3.84 (3H, s, COjCHs), 6.73 (1H, br s, CH=CCH,) , 7.14 (1H, dt, J=1.5Hz & 7.2H2, Ar-H), 7.20 (6H, m, 6 x Ar-H) , 7.35 (1H, - - d, J=7.6Hz, 1 x Ar-H), 7.53 (1H, dt, J=1.2Hz & 7.4Hz, Aril) , 7.75 (1H, d, J=7.6Hz, Ar-H) , 7.85 (2H, d, 2 x Ar-H) .

I3C NMR (CDCI3, 75.47 MHz) Sc 37.5, 38.7, 42.1 (3 x £H2) , 51.8 (COzCHa)/ 56.9 (q£), 120.6, 123.4, 124.5, 124.6, 126.0, 126.3, 127.6, 128.3, 128.5, 129.3, 129.3, 129.9, 129.9, 135.0, (12 X Ar-£H & 1 x Ar-£ S i x £=£H) 142.8, 142.9, 143.9, 148.6, 152.1 (5 x Ar-£) , 166.7 (£02CH3), 205.5 (£=0).

J -:£··: SyBSTTTUTE SHEBT (RULE 26) Synthesis of 3C12 Coupling reaction Silyl enol ether of 4-Methoxy-l-indanone (1) To a stirred solution of 4-Methoxy-l-indanone (200 mg, 1.24 mmol) and triethylamine (0.15 g, 0.21 ml, 1.48 mmol) in dichloromethane at 0°C was added trimethylsilyl trifluoromethanesulfonate (0.27 g, 0.22 ml, 1.24 mmol). The solution was left stirring at 0°C for 15 minutes and then the solution was rapidly passed through a plug of silica, eluting with petroleum ether (b.p. 40-60eC) :ethyl acetate. 100:0.5. After evaporation of the eluent the silyl enol ether (1) was isolated as a clear colourless oil (260 mg, 91%).

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 25) 4756/2 97/20802 PCT IE96/00080 Synthesis of 3C12 To a' stirred solution of the silyl enol ether of 4- Methoxy-l-indanone (200 mg, 0.854 mmol) and the corresponding dimethyl acetal of indan-2-one (180 mg, 1.03 mmol) in dichloromethane at -78°C, was added a catalytic amount of TMS Triflate (45 μΐ) . The solution was left stirring at -78°C for 3 hours and then allowed to reach - 50°C for 1 hour. To this solution was then added solid sodium bicarbonate (approx 2.0 g). The organic layer was decanted and the residual solid was extracted with dichloromethane (2 x 20 ml). The combined organic layers were dried with sodium sulphate. After evaporation of the solvent, the crude product was passed through a plug of silica, eluting with petroleum ether 100% grading to petroleum ether : ethyl acetate, 100:4. After evaporation of the eluent 3C12 was isolated as a slightly coloured oil (0.16 g, 61%). On addition of ether to the oil 3C12 crystallised out as white crystals. 3C12 lH N R (CDC13, 300 MHz) 6H 3.06 (3H, s, CH2C-OCHj) , 3.07 (2H, m, Cflj), 3.25 (4H, mr 1 x CH of C& & 1 x CflCH2 & 1 x Cflj), 3.50 (1H, d, J=17.0Hz, CH of C&) , 3.92 (3H, s, ArOCft), 7.03 (1H, t, J=4Hz, Ar-fl) , 7.15 (4H, m, 4 x Ar-fl), 7.38 (2H, d, J=5.0Hz, 2 x Ar-fl). 13C NMR (CDCI3, 75.47 MHz) 6C 26.5, 40.5, 41.6 (3 x £H2) , 51.0, 53.4, 55.4 (2 x 0£H3 S i x £H), 87.4 (o£), 114.6, 115.2'^ 115.3, 124.1, 124.2, 126.4, 128.7 (7 x Ar-£H), 139.1, 140.9, 141.5, 142.5, 156.8 <5 Ar-£), 206.3 (£=0).

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 2S) Synthesis of 3C13 Alkylation of 3CI2 Ofvfe Usual procedure or alkylation of β-ntethoxy carbonyl compounds. 3C13 was isolated (lSOrag, 80%). lH NMR (CDCIJ, 300 MHz) 6a 3.2S (2H, ab q, J=17.8Hz Cifc), 3.45 (4H, m, 2 x Cfij), 3.85, 3.86 <6H, 2 x s, C02CH, & Ar- OCHJ), 6.73 (1H, br s, C=Cfi), 6.98 (1H, m, Ar-H) , 7.21 (1H, dt, J-1.8.HS & 6.7Hz, Ar-fi) , 7.23 (7H, br m, 7 x Ar-fi), 7.83 (2H, br d, 2 x Ar-fi). l3C NMR (CDClj, 75.47 MHz) Sc 34.2, 38.8, 42.2 (3 x £H2) , 51.9, 55.4 (1 x 0£H3 & C0£Hj), 56.9 (q£) , 115.2, 116.1, 120.7, 123.5, 124.5, 126.3, 128.5, 129.2, 129.4, 129.4, 130.1, 130.1 (11 x Ar-£H & l xQH=C), 128.4, 136.6, 140.9, 142.9, 143.1, 144.1, 148.7, 156.5 (7 x Ar-ς 6 1 x Q=CH) , 166.9 ( OJCHJ), 205.8 ( »0) .

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (HULE 2S) - Ill - Synthesis of 3C14 Coupling reaction Silyl enol ether of 5-Metho y-l-indanone (3) To a stirred solution of 5-Methoxy-l-indanone (200 mg, 1.24 mmol) and triethylamine (0.15 g, 0.21 ml, 1.48 mmol) in dichloromethane at 0°C was added trimethylsilyl trifluoromethanesulfonate (0.27 g, 0.22 ml, 1.24 mmol). The solution was left stirring at 0°C for IS minutes and then the solution was rapidly passed through a plug of silica, eluting with petroleum ether (b.p. 4 -60°C) :ethyl acetate 100:0.5. After evaporation of the eluent the silyl enol ether (3) was isolated as a clear colourless oil (240 "mg, 85%) .

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 23) Synthesis of 3C14 To a stirred solution of the silyl enol ether of 5-Methoxy-l-indanone (3) {200" mg, 0.854 mraol) and the corresponding dimethyl' acetal of indan 2-one (leo^mg, 1.025 mmol) in dichlo omethane at -78*C, was added a catalytic amount of TMS' Trifiate (45 μΧ). The solution was left stirring at -78°C for 3 hours and then allowed to reach -50°C for 1 hour. To this solution was then added solid sodium bicarbonate (approx. 2 g). The organic layer was decanted and the residual solid extracted with dichloromethane (2 x 20 ml). The combined organic layers were dried with sodium sulphate. After evaporation of the solvent, the crude product was passed through a plug of silica, eluting with petroleum ether 100% grading to petroleum ether:ethyl acetate, 100:4. After evaporation of the eluent 3C14 was isolated as a slightly coloured oil SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 23) (100 mg, 40.5%). On addition of ether to the oil 3C14 crystallised out as white crystals. 3C14 lH NMR (CDClj, 300 MHz) 5a 3.05 ( 3H, s, CH2C-OCHj), 3.06 (1H, m, CH)» 3.25-3.47 (6H, br in, 3 x CH2), 3.89 (3H, s, AX-OCH3 ) / 6.90 (2H, m, 2 x Ar-H) , 7.15 (4H, m, 4 x Ar-H), 7.65 (1H, d, J=8.3Hz, Ar-H) . 15C NMR (CDC13, 75.47 MHz) SC 29.4, 40.5/ 41.6 (3 x £H2) , 51.1, 53.5, 55.6 (2 x 0£H3 & 1 x £H), 87.4 (q£) , 109.5, 115.3, 124.1, 124.3, 125.6, 126.5, 126.5 (7 x Ar-£H), 131.2, 141.0, 141.5, 156.6, 165.3 (5 x Ar-£), 204.3 (£=0).

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 2S) Synthesis of 3C1S Coupling reaction To a stirred solution of 4-hydroxy-l-indanone (0.5 g, 3.38 mmol) in methanol : water (10 : 1, 40 ml) was added sodium hydrogen carbonate (0.30 g, 3.57 mmol). The solvent was evporatored to dryness and to the salt which remained was added DMF (20 ml) and 1-iodododecane (2.0 g, 1.67 ml, 6.67 mmol). The solution was allowed to stir at reflux for 2 hours and then additional amount of 1-iodododecane (2.0 g) and sodium hydrogen carbonate (0.38 g) were added. The solution was allowed to stir at reflux for 1 hour. The reaction solution was allowed to cool and ether : water (1 : 1, 40 ml) was added. The organic phase was isolated and the aqueous layer was washed with ether. The combined organic layers were dried with Na2S04 and the crude reaction mixture was purified by flash column chromatography to yield dodecylether (1) (660 mg, 62%).

SUBSTITUTE SHEET(RULE 2S) - - Synthesis of the silyi enol ether ei (I) (3) Usual procedure for silyl enol ether synthesis, Yield, (200 mg, 92%) .

Synthesis of 3C15 Coupling reaction (3) (2) 3c \5 Usual procedure for coupling synthesis.

Yield (90 mg, 41%).

*H NMR (CDClj, 300 MHz) Sfl 0.91 (3H, m, (CHZ) ieCH2CBa-) , 1.28 (18H, m, OCHjCHjiC& CHj), 1.86 (2Hf mr OCH2CH2(CH2)9CH3) , 3.52, 3.91, 4.37 (6H, 3 x br s, 3 x C&), 4.05 (2H, t, SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 2S) 24756/2 97/20802 PCT/1E96/00080 116 J=13.0Hz, OCH2CH2(CH2),CH ) , 6.98 ( 1H, d, J=7.3 Hz, Ar-H), 7.35 (6H, br m, 6 x Ar-H) .

C NMR (CDClj, 75.47 MHz ) 6C 14.1 (QHi) , 22.7, 25.9 , 26.1, 28.9, 29.2, 29.3, 29.4, 29.6, 29.7, 31.9, 39.2, 40.3 68.3, 65.9 (14 x CHj), 115.3, 115.4, 124.4, 124.9, 126-6, 126.9, 128.7 (7 x Ar-CH), 129.2, 137.4, 139.3, 141.2, 142.3, 154.7, 156.2 (5 x Ar-C S, 2 x C=£) , 209.1 (C=0) .

Synthesis of 3C16 Alkylation of 3C15 3Cib.

Usual potassium tert-butoxide method.

Yield (120 rag, 51%).

Synthesis of 3C17 Synthesis of the silyl enol ether of Bromo-indanone left st rring at 0°C for 10 min and then the solution was passed through a plug of silica eluting with petroleum ether to give the silyl enol ether of 6-Bromo-5,7- dimethyl-1-indanone as a mobile oil (0.62 g, 95%).

Synthesis of Bromo-methoxy diner 3cn To a solution of the dimethyl acetal of 2-indanone (0.50 g, 2.81 mmol) and the silyl enol ether of 6-Bromo-5,7- dimethyl-1-indanone (0.50 q, 1.76 mmol) in DCM at -78°C was added a catalytic amount of TMS triflate (40 ul). The reaction was then allowed to slowly warm to room temperature and then left stirring at room temperature for 4 hours. To this solution at room temperature was added solid sodium bicarbonate (1.0 g) and the heterogenous mixture left stirring for 15 minutes. The mixture was then passed through a plug of silica and the Bromo-methoxy dimer 3C17 was isolated as a yellowish solid, which rapidly crystallised from diethyl ether to give white crystals of the titled compound (0.3 g, 49.2%). lH NMR (CDClj, 300 MHz) S„ 2.50 (3H, s, Ar-£H3), 2.80 (3H, s, Ar-CHj), 2.95 (3H, s, OCHj), 3.18 (1H, br m, C0CHCH2), 3.16 (2H, br m, C&), 3.28 (2H, br m, C¾), 3.30 (2H, ab q, br s, Ar-H). ' — ,3C NMR (CDClj, 75.47 MHz) 6C 17.5, 25.1 (2 x £H3), 29.6, 40.6, 41.6 (3 x £H2), 51.1, 54.2 ( 1 x £H & 1 x 0£H3), 87.4 (q£), 124.1, 124.3, 125.7, 126.5, 128.1, 134.1, 139.0, 140.9, 141.5, 141.8, 144.8, 153.1 (5 x Ar-£H, 4 x Ar-ς & 2 x Ar£-CH3, 1 x Ar£Br), 205.7 (£=0).

Synthesis of 3C18 Alk lation of 3C17 To a solution of Bromo-methoxy 3C17 (200 mg, 0.519 mmol) in ether (6 ml) was added benzyl bromide (0.30 g, 0.20 ml, 1.75 mmol). To this solution at room temperature was added dropwise a solution of potassium cert-butoxide (0.05 q, 0.439 mmol) in cBuOH (6 ml). Analysis of this solution indicated that all of the bromo-methoxy 3C17 was converted 1 to the bromobenzyl 3C18 with a second product having a slightly lower ( than the starting bromo-methoxy 3C18.

The crude reaction mixture was purified by flash column chromatography to yield 3C18 (0.12 g, 52%).

Synthesis of 3C19 & 3C20 by reduction with Lithium tri- tert-butoxyalu inohydride 3ca. 3C18 (200 mg, 0.451 mmol) was dissolved in dry THF (5 ml) and to this was added lithium tri-tert- butoxyaluminohydride (0.50 g, 1.97 mmol). The solution was allowed to stir for 3 hours. The solvent was removed and the crude reaction mixture was purified by flash column chromatography to yield the two diasteriomers 3C19 (90 mg, 96%) and 3C20 (90 mg, 96%). 3C20 Ή NMR (CDC13, 300 MHz) dH 2.40 (3H, s, Cfl,), 2.48 (3H, s, Cflj), 2.80 (1H, d, J=13.6 Hz, CH of CH2), 3.00 (2H, ab q, J*15.6 Hz, CH of CH2), 3.23 (1H, d, J=13.6 Hz, CH of CH2), 54 (2H, ab q, J=22.6 Hz, CH2), 5.18 (1H, br m, CHOH) , 52 (1H, br s, C=CH), 6.89 (2H, m, 2 x Ar-H), 7.20 (5H, x Ar-H), 7.30 (3H, 2 x Ar-H), 7.45 (1H, d, J=»6.0 Hz, x Ar-H) . c Synthesis of 3C21 Coupling reaction To a stirred solution of 5-Bromo-4,6-dimethyl-l-indanone (0.5 g, 2.li mraol) in DCM (3 ml) at 0°C was added triethylamine (0.21 g, 0.29 ml, 2.08 mmol) and TMS triflate (0.466 g, 0.38 ml, 2.09 mmol). The solution was left stirring at 0°C for 10 min and then the solution was passed through a plug of silica eluting with petroleum ether to give the silyl enol ether of 5-Bromo-4,6-dimethyl-l-indanone as a white crystalline solid (0.60 g, 94%).

Synthesis of Bromo-methoxy dimer 3C21 3CA\ To a solution of the dimethyl acetal ,of 2-indanone (0.50 g, 2.81 mmol) and the silyl enollether ot--S-Bromo-4,6-dimethyl-1-indanone (0.50 g*r 1.76 mmol) in DCH at -78eC was added a catalytic amount of TMS triflate (40 μΐ). The reaction was then allowed to slowly^- warm to room temperature and then left stirring at room temperature for 4 hours. To this solution at room temperature was added solid sodium bicarbonate (1.0 g) and the heterogenous mixture left stirring for 15 rainutes^e The mixture Vas then passed through a plug of silica and the Brorao-raethoxy 3C21 was isolated as a yellowish solid, which rapidly crystallised from diethyl ether to give fine white crystals (271 mg, 40%). Ή NMR (CDClj, 300 MHz) 6H 2.54 (6H, br s, 3 x overlapping Clb), 3.10 (3Hr s, 0CHj)r 3.12 (1H, m, CHCHj) , 3.21-3.38 (5H, m, 2 x CH2 & 1 x CH of Qfc), 3.73 (1H, d, CH of C&) , 7.16 (4H, m, 4 x Ar-fl), 7.44 (1H, s, Ar-fl) .

SUBSTITUTE SHEET(RULE 28) Synthesis of 3C22 Alkylation of 3C21 To a solution of Bromo-methoxy dimer 3C21 (200 mg, 0.519 ramol) in ether (6 ml) was added benzyl bromide (0.30 gf 0.20 ml, 1.75 mmol). To this solution at room temperature was added dropwise a solution of potassium tert-butoxide (0.05 g, 0.439 mmol) in 'BuOH (6 ml). Analysis of this solution indicated that all of the bromo-methoxy dimer was converted to the bromobenzyl dimer 3C22 and a product having a slightly lower Rf than the staring bromo-methoxy dimer. The crude reaction mixture was purified by flash column chromatography to yield 3C22 (0.14 g, 61%).

Synthesis of 3C23 & 3C24 by reduction with Lithium tri- tert-butoxyaluminohydride 3C22 (200 mg, 0.451 mmol) was dissolved in dry THF (5 ml) and to this was added lithium tri- tert- butoxyaluminohydride (0.50 g, 1.97 mmol). The solution was allowed to stir for 3 hours. The solvent was removed and the crude reaction mixture was purified by flash column chromatography to yield 3C23 (90 mg, 96%) and 3C24 (90 mg, 96%) .

Synthesis of 3C25 Synthesis of 3C25 2,6-dimethylphenol (5.0 g, 0.0 1 mol) was dissolved in OCM (20 ml) and to this was added triethylamine (8.29 g, 11.41 ml, 0.082 tool) and acetic anhydride (6.28 g, 5.80 ml, 0.0615 mol). To this stirring solution was added dimethylaminopyridine (500 mg, 0.0041 mol). The reaction mixture was allowed to stir at room temperature for 1 hour. The solvent was removed and the product was purified by flash column chromatography to yield compound was allowed to stir at room temperature for 3 hrs. The reaction was quenched with iced water and the organic phase was extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic poured onto iced water and the organic phase was extracted with ethyl acetate and washed with water (2 x 20 ml). The excess solvent was removed and the crude reaction mixture was purified by flash column chromatography. Compound (4) was isolated as a yellow powder.

To a stirred solution of 5,7-dimethyl-6-hydroxy-indan-l-one; compound 4 (1.0 g, 5.68 mmol) in DMF (15 ml) was added sodium bicarbonate (2.0 g, 23.5 mmol) and benzyl bromide (2.0 g, 11.6 mmol). The mixture was left stirring at reflux for 3.5 hours. At this point benzyl bromide (1.0 g, 5.8 mmol) and solid sodium bicarbonate (1.0 g, 11.7 mmol) were added gradually to the refluxing mixture. The reaction was then left refluxing for 1 hour. After cooling the reaction mixture to room temperature, Ether (50 ml) and water (50 ml) were added. The organic layer was extracted and the aqueous phase re-extracted with 2 x 25 ml of ether. The combined organic layers were dried with sodium sulphate. Filtration followed by evaporation left a mobile oil which was passed through a plug of silica elutlhg with petroleum ether grading to petroleum ethertethyl acetate 98.2. Evaporation of the eluent left oil compound (5) (1.20 g, To a stirring solution of compound (5) (200 mg, 0.75 mmol) in dry OCM (10 ml), to this was added triethylamine (84 mg, 0.11S ml, 0.83 mmol) and TMS triflate (0.158 g, 0.136 ml, 0.76 mmol). The solution was allowed to stir at 0°C for 15 mine and was then passed through a plug of silica, eluting with petroleum ether. Evaporation of the solvent afforded compound (6) as a mobile oil (0.19 g, 81%).

To a stirring solution of compound (6) and dimethyl acetal of indan-2-one in DCM (10 ml) at -78eC was added TMS triflate (45 μΐ) . The mixture was allowed to stir at room temperature for 2 hours. The crude reaction mixture was then passed through a plug of silica, , eluting with petroleum ethertethyl acetate 98:2. This then afforded 3C25. lH NMR (CDCl,, 300 MHz) 6a 2.37 (3H, s, Ar-CH,), 2.62 (3H, s, Ar-Cflj), 3.08 (3H, s, OMe), 3.09-3.52 (7H, m, 3-Cflj & 1 x CH), 4.79 (2Hf s, PhCHjO-), 7.16-7.43 (10H, 2 x br m, Aril). ' ISC NMR (CDCl,, 75.47 MHz) Sc 11.2, 17.5 (2 x Ar-£H,), 28.6, 40.6, 41.5 (3 x H2), 51.1, 54.2 (£H & C£Hj), 74.4 (Ph H,), 87.4 (C-OMe), 124.2, 124.5, 125.9, 126.2, 126.2, 127.8, 127.8, 128.2, 128.8, 128.8 (10 x Ar-£H) , 131.2, 134.5, 137.1, 138.9, 141.1, 141.6, 150.1, 155.0 (8 x Ar-ς) .

Synthesis of 3C26 Alkylation of 3C2S To a stirring solution of 3C25 (50 mg, 0.12 nanol) in ether/'butanol 6:1 (7 ml) at room temperature was added potassium-fcerc-butoxide (13.8 mg, 0.12 mmol) dropwise over 2 hours. To this solution was then added a saturated layer extracted with ether (2 x 20 ml). The combined organic layers were dried with sodium sulphate and filtered. Evaporation of "the solvent left an oil, which passed through a plug of silica, eluting with petroleum ether:ethyl acetate 98:2. Evaporation of the solvent left the product 3C26 as an oil (40 mg) . lH NMR (CDClj, 300 KHz) 682.31 (3H, sf ArCHj), 2.61 (3H, s, ArCHj), 3.13-3.56 (6H, m, 3 x CH2), 4.74 (2H, s PhCH20), 6.71 (1H, br s, CH=CCH2) , 7.12 (15H, br m, 15 Ar-H) . 13C NMR (CDClj, 75.47 MH2) Sc 11.4, 17.5 (2 x QH3), 36.6, 38.9, 42.4, 57.9 (4 xQH.), 74.4 (ςΗ), 120.6, 123.5, 124.3, 125.4, 125.9, 126.3, 126.4, 127.8, 128.1, 28.1, 128.6, 129.9, 131.9, 137.1, 137.8 (15 x Ar-CH) 139.2, 143.3, 144.4, 148.9, 149.8, 155.2 (6 x Ar-C), 206.3 (C=0) .

Synthesis of 3C27 and 3C28 To a stirring solution of 3C25 (0.20 g, 0.49 mraol) in EtOH: EtOAc 1:1 (10 ml) was added 10% palladium on carbon (0.20 g). Hydrogenolysis of the benzyl ether of 3C25 was carried out under an atmosphere of hydrogen at room temperature and 1 atm pressure. After stirring the mixture for 24 hr, the solvent was evaporated off, and to the residue was added ether (20 ml). The mixture was then filtered and evaporation of the solvent left the phenol 3C27 as a mobile oil (0.12 g, 76%). To a solution of the phenol 3C27 (0.10 g, 0.31 mraol) in dry OCM (3 ml) was added triethylamine (63 rag, 2 eq. ) acetic anhydride (63 mg, 2 eq) and a catalytic amount of DMAP (10 mol%). The solution was left stirring at room temperature for 3 hr. The' solution was then passed through a plug of silica eluting with petroleum ether:ethyl acetate 98:2. After 124756/2 O 97/20802 PCT/IE96/00080 - 132 - evaporation of the solvent 3C28 was isolated as a mobile oil. Ή NMR (CDClj, 300 MHz ) 5H 2.22 {3H, s, 0C=0CH3), 2.35 (3H, s, ArCH3 ) , 2.45 (3H, s, ArCHj) , 3.05 (3H, s, OCH3), 3.08-3.50 (7H, br m, 3 x CH. & 1 x CH) , 7.15 (5H, br m, 5 x ArH ) .

Synthesis of Chloroketone To a.solution of aluminium chloride (6.28 g, 47.2 nunol) in carbon disulfide (30 ml) was added 3-chloropropionyl chloride (6.0 g, 47.2 mmol). The mixture was left stirring at 0°C for 1 hour and then to the mixture was added in-xylene (5.0 g, AT.2 mmol). The mixture was left stirring for a further half hour. At this point a TLC indicated that all of the starting material was consumed. The mixture was then added to approx. 200 g of crushed ice and the resulting mixture partitioned using ether. The organic layer was obtained and the aqueous layer extracted with ether (2 x 100 ml). The combined organic layers were dried and concentrated in vacuo to leave a mobile oil, which was passed through a plug of silica, eluting with petroleum spirits (40-60°C): ethyl acetate 9:1, to yield chloroketone (1) after evaporation of the eluent as the major product (5.50 g, 59.4%).

Synthesis of 5.7-dimethvl-l-indanone A solution of the chloroketone (1) (5.0 g, 25.5 nunol) in concentrated sulphuric acid (100 ml) was heated to 95°C and left stirring for 1 hour. The solution was cooled and C then it was added slowly to 700 g of crushed ice. The crude product was then extracted with ethyl acetate (3 x 200 ml). The combined organic layers were washed with water and the resulting organic solvent was dried with sodium sulphate. The solvent was filtered and evaporation of the solvent left a mobile oil, which was passed through a plug of silica yielding the 5,7-dimethyl-l-indanone (3.80 g, 93%) as the major product.

*H NMR (CDClj, 300 MHz) δβ 2.34, 2.56 (6H, 2 x s, 2 x CHj), 2.59, 2.98 (4H, 2 x br m, 2 x CHj), 6.86, 7.03 (2H, 2 x s, 2 x Ar-H) . ,3C NMR (CDClj, 75.47 MHz) 8C 18.1, 21.7 (2 x £H,), 25.0, 36.8 (2 x £H,), 124.3, 130.1 (2 x Ar-£H), 132.1, 138.3, 144.8, 156.4 (4 x Ar-£) , 207.3 (£=0).

Synthesis of the ailvl enol ether of 5.7-dimethvl-l. indanone To a stirring solution of 5,7-dimethyl-l-indanone (0.50 g, 3.12 mmol) in DCN (5 ml) at 0°C was added triethylamine (0.374 g, 0.525 ml, 3.77 mmol) and a 25% solution of trimethyl silyl trifluoromethanesulfonate in DCM (0.55 ml, 3.70 mmol) was added dropwise. The solution was left stirring at 0°C for 10 min and analysis by TLC indicated that the formation of the silyl enol ether was approx 75% complete as judged by TLC with only starting material present. The solution was then rapidly passed through a plug of silica. Evaporation of the eluent left the silyl enol ether of 5,7-dimethyl-l-indanone as a mobile oil (0.51 g, 70.4%) .

Coupling of the corresponding silvl enol ether of 5.7- dimethyl-1-indanone to the dimethvlacetal of 2-lndanone 3ο3θ· To a stirred solution of the silyl enol ether of 5,7 dimethyl-1-indanone (0.50 g, 2.16 mmol) and the corresponding dimethyl acetal of indan-2-one (0.50 g, 2.81 mmol) in DCM (5 ml) at -78°C was added a dilute solution of TMS Triflate (25 ml. in 1 ml DCM) . The solution was left stirring at -78°C for half an hour and then the temperature was allowed to reach room temperature and the reaction was allowed to stir at this temperature; for 18 hours. To this solution was then added solid sodium bicarbonate approx 0.5 g and the mixture was 'stirred rapidly for "10 rains. The mixture was filtered and purified by flash column chromatography. After evaporation of the eluent the expected dimer 3C30 was isolated as a mobile oil, (0.15 g, 22.6%) . lH NMR (CDCI3, 300 MHz) S„ 2.41, 2.58 (6H, 2 x s, 2 x CHj), 3.06 (lH, m, COCH), 3.07 (3H, s, OCHj),43.20 (5H, br m, 1 x CH2 & 3 x CH of C£b), 3.50 (1H, d, J»15 Hz, CH of CJfc), 6.91 (1H, s, 1 x Ar-H) , 7.10-7.20 (4H, br m, 4 x Ar-HJ · Synthesis of 3C31 Same procedure as for the synthesis of 3C5.

Synthesis of 3C32 ft 3C33 3 23X * 3C33 To a stirring solution of the benzyl diner 3C31 (0.10 g, 0.27 mmol) in the THF (4 ml) at 0°C was added lithium tri-tert-butoxyaluminohydride (0.20 g, 0.79 mmol). The mixture was left stirring at 0°C for 1 hour and then at room temperature for 2 hours. To this solution was then added (80 mg, 0.31 mmol) of lithium tri-tert-butoxyaluminohydride and the mixture left stirring at room temperature for 3 days. The solvent was then evaporated off and the residue was taken up in DCM (2 ml). The cloudy mixture was then passed through a plug of silica to remove the lithium tri-cert-butoxyaluminohydride. The eluent containing the mixture of alcohols was evaporated off to dryness to leave an oil which was then taken up in the minimum amount of DCM. The two pairs of (_ diasteriomeric alcohols were separated from each other by flash column chromatography to leave both pairs of alcohols as mobile oils 3C32 & 3C33, total combined yield (95 mg, 95%).

Top Spot *H NMR (CDCIJ, 300 MHz) θΗ 2.38, 2.45 (6H, 2 x s, 2 x CHj), 2.80 (2H, ab q, J*13.4 Hz, C&) , 3.00 (2H, ab q, J=15.9 Hz, CHj), 3.65 (2H, ab q, Cifc), 5.03 (1H, s, CHOH), 6.58 (1H, 8, C=CH), 6.80 (2H, br m, 2 x Ar-H), 6.93 (1H, s, 1 x Ar-H), 7.15-7.23 (6H, br m, 6 x Ar-H), 7.47 (1H, d J=3.0 Hz, 1 x Ar-H). 3C36 3C37 Diner 3C1 (100 mg, 0.359 nanol) was dissolved in pyridine (0.S ml) and to this hydroxylamine hydrochloride (300 tag, 4.34 mmol) and methanol (2 ml) were added. The reaction solution was then allowed to reflux for 3hrs.~- The reaction was quenched with 2M aqueous HCl. (10 al) and the organic phase was extracted into ether The organic layers were combined and dried ove NajSO«. The crude reaction mixture was passed through a flash silica column, eiuting with petroleum ether:ethyl acetate, 9:1. The product was isolated as an oxime mixture of 3C36 and 3C37. Ή NMR (CDClj, 300 MHz) S8 3C37 3.02 (1H, dd, J«2.6, 16.9 Hz, CH of Ok), 3.23 (2H, q, J*16.0 and 7.3 Hz, CH,) , 3.52 (1H, dd, J=8.6 and 8.6 Hz, CH of CH,), 4.59 (IH, dd J=8.6 and 1.4 Hz, CHCH2), 6.08 (1H, s, C°CHCH2), 7.16-7.40 (8H, br m, 8 x Ar-H), 7.94 (1H, d, J-7.8 Hz, I'x Ar-H) . lJC NMR (CDCl,, 75.47 MHz) oc 37.2, 37.6 (2 x CH,), 39.8 (1 x CH), 118.9, 123.4, 123.9, 124.9, 125.6, 126.0, 127.4, 128.0, 132.3 (9 x Ar-CH and 1 x C»CJH). " " Synthesis of 3C38 and 3C39 3C38 3C39 Oxime mixture 3C36 and 3C37 (200 mg) was dissolved in cBuOH (10 ml) and to this was added benzyl bromide (1.16g, 0.82 ml). To this stirring solution potassium tert-butoxide (0.76 g) in cBuOH (10 ml) and ether (2 ml) was added dropwise over a period of 2 hrs . The reaction was then quenched with aqueous anunonium chloride solution and the organic phase was extracted into ether. The organic phases were combined and dried over Na:S04. The crude reaction mixture was passed through a flash silica column, eluting with petroleum ether:ethyl acetate, 7:3. This afforded 3C38 and 3C39. 3C39 lH NMR (CDC13, 300 MHz) SB 3.00 (1H, d, J=2.2, 14.9 Hz, CH of Clfc), 3.22 (2H, br d, J=6.6Hz, <¾), 3.55 (2H, dd, J=l6.8, 8.8Hz, CH of C&), 4.62 (1H, br d, J=7.0Hz, CH) , 5.12 (2H, s, PhC O), 606 (1H, d, J»1.32Hz, C=CflCH2), 7.25 (12H, br m, 12 x Ar-H),:7.81 (1H, br d, J=6.0Hz, 1 x Ar-H). 13C NMR (CDCI3, 75.47MHz) 6C 37.0, 37.5 (CH2) , 39.0 (CH) , 76.11(PhCIi20), 119.3, 121.8, 123.8, 124.5, 125.6, 126.0, 127.1, 127.4, 127.8, 127.8, 128.0, 128.0, 128.0, 130.4, 136.2, 138.1, 143.3, 144.1, 144.6, 146.6, (5 x Ar-C and C=CH), 162.7 (PhCH2ON=C).

Synthesis of 3C40 Oxine mixture 3C36 and 3C37 (200 mg) was dissolved in dry ether (10 ml). The reaction flask was then cooled to -78°C and N-butyl lithium (1 ml, 2.5 M) was added. After 5 mins benzyl bromide (1 ml) was added. The reaction was allowed to stir at -78°C for 2 hrs. The reaction was allowed to stir at room temperature for 3 hrs. Aqueous HC1 and ether were added to the reaction flask. The organic layer was isolated and dried over Na2SO«. The crude reaction mixture was passed through a flash silica column eluting with petroleum ether:ethyl acetate 8:2 to afford 3C40.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 28) lH NMR (CDClj, 300 MHz) 6B 3.65, 3.81 and 4.0 (6H, s, CH..), 5.40 (2H, s, PhC&O), 7.21-7.40 (16H, br m, 15 x Ar-H and 1 x C=CHCH2), 7.53 (2H, br d, 2 x Ar-H), 8.47 (1H, d, J=7.7 Hz, 1 x Ar-H) .

Synthesis of 3C43 The silyl enol ether of 4-propi-2-enyloxy indan-l-one (1.0 g, 5.3 mmol) and the dimethyl acetal of indan-2-one (1.0 g, 5.6 mmol) were dispersed in clean dry DCM and cooled to -78eC. To this TMS triflate (25 μΐ) was added and the reaction was stirred at -78eC for 3 hrs and allowed to stir at room temperature for a further hour. The crude reaction mixture was then passed through a flash silica column, eluting with petroleum ether:ethyl acetate, 9:1.

The afforded 3C43 (1.37 g, 77.4%).

*H NMR (CDClj, 300 MHz) σΒ 3.04-3.08 (4H, mf 2 x Clfc), 3.24- (_ 3.54 (6H, m, CHCHj, CHCH2, OCHj), 4.64 (2H, d J=5.31Hz, CH2CHCIk), 5.43 (2H, dq, J*1.3Hz 17.25Hzf CH=CH4), 6.06-6.17 (1H, m, CHOCH2CHCH2), 7.03 (1H, dd, J-1.3 & 7.05 Hz, Ar-H), 7.15-7.36 (6H, m, Ar-CH) . l3C NMR (CDC13, 75.47 MHz) ac 26.4, 40.5, 41.5, 68.7 117.7 (5 x£H2), 50.9 (£H), 53.3 (0QH3), 87.3 (qC), 115.4, 115.9, 123.9, 124.2, 126.3, 128.5, 132.7 (7 x Ar-£H), 139.2, 140.9, 141.4, 142.7, 155.7 (5 x Ar-£) , 206.1 (Q=0) .

Synthesis of 4C1 Silyl enol ether of indan-2-one (lg, 4.9 mraol) and the cyclic ketal of indan-l-one (1 g, 5.6 mmol) were dispersed in clean dry DCM. The solution was cooled to -78°C and TMS triflate (25 ml) was added. The reaction was stirred at -78°C for 2 hours and allowed to come to room temperature. The product was extracted into ethyl acetate. Column chromatography was used to isolate ,the desired product, eluting with petroleum ether:ethyl acetate, 8:2. 4C1 was isolated (1.07 g, 70.9%) . lH NMR (CDClj 6a 2.01 (lH, br s , CHjOfl) , 2.94-3.04 (4H, m, CHzCib), 3.67-3.70 (2Hf m CHj), 3.78 <2H, s, COCflj), 4.13 -4.18 (2H;'m# C&) , 7.06 (lH, t, COCHJ , 7.23 - 7.34 (6H, m, Ar-H), 7.50 (1H, d, J=7.4H2, Ar-H) , 7.64 (lH, t, J=4.6Hz, Ar-H) . l3C NMR (CDCl,, 75.47 MHz) 6C 30.5, 39.3r 60.9, 66.3 (5 x £H2), 116.0 (GH), 120.3, 125.3, 126.6, 126.8, 127.2, 128.4, 128.5, 130.4 (8 x Ar-£H) , 132.5, 137.5, 141.9, 145.7, 146.1 (4 x Ar-C and 1 x q£) , 171.9 (£=0).

• · · ·}.:· Low resolution mass spec Requires M*308 Found M*308 Synthesis of 4C2 Coupling of 3-Bromo indan-l-one to the sllyl enol ether of indan-2-one 4C1 To a stirred solution of the silyl enol ether of indan-2-one (0.8 g, 3.92 mmol) and the corresponding 3-Bromo indan-l-one (0.82 g, 3.92 mmol) in dichloromethane at -78°C, was added a catalytic amount of TMS Triflate (30 μΐ). The solution was left stirring at -78eC for 10 min and at room temperature for 3 hours. To this solution was then added solid sodium bicarbonate (approx 2 g) and the solution was stirred rapidly for 10 minutes. The solution was then filtered and the filtrate was evaporated to leave a mobile"oil which was passed through a plug of silica elutant with petroleum ether »¾ethyl acetate, 9:2. After evaporation of the eluent, 4C2 was obtained as a yellow solid, 45%.

Low resolution mass spectra: Found M*262 Require M*262 lH NMR (CDClj, 300 MHz) 6„ 2.1 (1H, dd, J=3.4 Hz, CHCifc, 2.64 (1H, dd, J=7.68 Hz, CHCflj), 3.42 (2H, q, J« 23 Hz, COClfc), 4.10 (1H, br s, CHCOCH,), 4.18 (1H, m, CH?Cii) 6.25 (1H, d, J=7.7 Hz, 1 x Ar-H) , 6.97 (lH, t, 7.2 Hz, 1 x Aril) , 7.25 (2H, m, 2 x Ar-H), 7.45 (2H, m, 2 x Ar-H), 7.70 (1H, t, J=7.2Hz, 1 x Ar-H) / 7.80 ( 1H, d, J=7.0 Hz, 1 x Ar-H) . l3C NMR (CDClj, 75.47 MH2) 6C 38.6, 43.2 (2 x QH2) , 39.5, 55.5 (2 x £H), 123.6, 124.4, 125.0, 125.2, 127.4, 127.5, 128.1, 128.1, 134.9, 137.4, 137.8, 155.2 (8 x Ar-£H & 4 x Ar-£), 204.5, 215.6 (2 x £=0) .

Synthesis of 4C3 Sodium Borohydride Reduction of 4C2 C2.

To a stirred solution of dione 4C2 (100 ag, 0.38 nunol) in ethyl acetate : ethanol (2s 1, 9 al) was added sodium borohydride (100 ntg). This solution was left stirring at room temperature for 1 hour. The solution was then concentrated on the rotary evaporator and the concentrate was then passed through a plug of silica eluting with petroleum ether (b.p. 40-60°C) : ethyl acetate 9:1 grading to ethyl acetate. Evaporation of the eluent left the diol 4C3 as a white solid (90 mg, 90%).

Low resolution mass spectra: Found M*262 Required M*262 Ή NMR (CDCl,, 300 MHz) 6a 1.50 - 3.81 (6H, m, CH & CH2's), 4.73 and 5.02 (2H, m, 2 x CHOH), 7.38 (3H, m, 3 x Ar-H), 7.53 (1H, dd, J»1.2 Hz, 1 x Ar-H), 7.60 (2H, m, 2 x Ar-H), 7.75 (2H, 2 x t, J»1.2Hz, 2 x Ar-H).

"C NMR (CDCl,, 75.47 Mhz) 6C 39.1, 41.2 (2 X CH2), 42.0, 51.5 (2 X CH), 74.5, 74.9 (2 x CHOH), 124.0, 124.4, 124.7, 124.9, 125.1, 126.1, 127.0, 128.0 (8 x Ar-CH), 141.3, 141.8, 144.7, 145.1 (4 x Ar-C) .

It will be appreciated that the compounds include pharmacologically acceptable salts, esters, isomers and solvates thereof. One example of a possible ester Ts a" salicylate in at least one and possibly several suitable positions on the compound. This opens up the possibility of a combination therapy using an indane dimer and aspirin in a single molecule. The weight ratio of the base indane dimer to aspirin may be selected by providing a salicylate at a number of selected positions on the dimer.

It will be appreciated most of the compounds have one or more chiral centres and hence exist as a pair of enantiomers or as a mixture of diastereomers . This may have an effect on the pharmacological properties. For example, 3C8 above is a mixture of enantiomers. 3C9 is also a mixture of enantiomers. The two enantiomers in 3C8 are diastereomers of the two enantiomers in 3C9. As shown by the data below, the two enantiomers in 3C8 are apparently more pharmacologically active than the two enantiomers in 3C9. Indeed, one of the enantiomers in 3C8 may be more pharmacologically active than the other.

IT-- " - - · · .2.">C - PHARMACOLOGY Introduction The indane dimers according to the invention have potent mast cell stabilising activity, smooth muscle relaxing activity, and anti-inflammatory activity. The compounds are, therefore, potential anti-asthmatic agents with bronchodilator activity. The mast cell stabilising activity of the compounds suggests their potential use in the treatment of allergic rhinitis, " allergic conjunctivitis arid other anaphylactic or"1'1 allergic conditions. The ¾anti-inflammatory activity ""may have applications in gout, rheumatic diseases, ankylosing spondylitis, polymyalgia rheumatica, temporal arteritis, polyarteritis nodosa, polymyositis and systemic lupus arteriosus and other inflammatory conditions. Topical applications may include: atopic excema, weeping excemas psoriasis, chronic discoid lupus erythematosus, lichen simplex chronicus, hypertrophic lichen planus, palmar plantar pustulosis. They may also have potential in the treatment of some malignant diseases and as immunosuppressants .

The smooth muscle relaxing activity of the compounds may c have potential in the treatment of hypertension and peripheral vascular disease, such as intermittent claudication and Reynaud's syndrome, as well as other cardiovascular disorders, such as congestive heart failure, angina pectoris, cerebral vascular disease and pulmonary hypertension. Such compounds are also indicated for potential use in the treatment of certain disorders of the gastro-intestinal tract, such as diverticular disease and irritable bowel syndrome. Similarly, these compounds may have potential as agents for the treatment of disorders of the genito-urinary tract, such as premature labour, incontinence, renal colic and disorders associated with the passage of kidney stones. Members of this group SUBSTITUTE SHEET (ROLE 26) of compounds may also have potential as diuretics, analgesics, antipyretics, local anaesthetics, central nervous system depressants and hypoglycaemic agents..

The compounds were assessed for their ability to stabilize mast cell membranes in vitro. Mast cells treated with the compounds and un-treated mast cells were stimulated to release histamine. A reduction in histamine release by the treated cells compared to the un-treated cells indicates stabilisation of the membrane. The compounds were assessed for their ability to relax smooth muscle in vitro. , Smooth muscle was stimulated to contract, using calcium chloride, and subsequently treated with the compounds, and relaxation of the contraction was measured for each compound. The compounds which showed the most activity in these assays were tested for mutagenicity using the Salmonella mutagenicity test (plate incorporation assay). One of these (3C8) was further assessed using an in vivo asthma model. Sensitised rats were treated with the drug by aerosol prior to challenge with allergen and alterations in respiration were recorded. As a result of this study further tests were carried out to determine the anti-inflammatory activity of 3C8. In the rat paw oedema test, the drug was administered systemically prior to inducing inflammation by the injection of carageenan. below the plantar aponeurosis of the hind paw. The volume of the paw was determined both before and after treatment as an index of oedema. In the mouse ear oedema .test, the drug was administered topically prior :to inducing inflammation by the topical application of arachidonic acid. The width of the ear was determined both before and after treatment as an index of oedema. The ability of 3C8 to prevent oedema was determined.

There follows protocols of each of these assays and a summary of the results.

ABBREVIATIONS BSS buffered salt solution CaCl2 calcium chloride C02 carbon dioxide DMSO dimethyl sulphoxide DSCG disodium cromoglycate dH20 distilled water HC1 hydrochloric acid - '- ·;* HEPES N-2 -hydroxyet hy ipiper a z in e*- - 2 ethanesulphonic acid KC1 postassium chloride emission wavelength excitation wavelength M Molar MgCl2 magnesium chloride min minutes ml microliters mM milli-molar " NaCl sodium chloride NaHCOj sodium hydrogen carbonate NaH2PO sodium hydrogen phosphate ' " " NaOH sodium hydroxide 02 oxygen ·'·' ~ - ··'· ~ oPT o-phthaldialdehyde S · E ·If. standard error of mean " w/v weight per volume v/v volume per volume ~ SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 28) METHODS Histamine Release Assay The buffered salt solution (BSS) was prepared in advance (NaCl 137 mM; KC1 2.7mM; MgCl2 l.OmM CaCl2 0.5mM NaH2P0« 0.4mM; Glucose 5.6mM; HEPES 10 mM) . This was dispensed into test tubes and heated to 37°C, each test tube contained 4.5ml BSS. The solvent blank was supplemented with 0.5% (v/v) dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) or 0.5% (v/v) distilled water (dH20) . The two positive controls were supplemented with 0.5% (v/v) dH20 / 2xl0"3M disodiura cromoglycate (DSCG) and 0.5% (v/v) DMSO / 2xlO"sM DSCG. The test compounds ' incubation tubes contained 2xl0"3M test compound / 0.5% (v/v) DMSO. The basal release, maximum release and total histamine content incubation tubes contained no additions.

Female Wistar rats (200-300g) were killed in an atmosphere of saturated C02. Pre-warmed BSS (10ml) was injected i.p. and the abdomen was massaged for 3 rain. The BSS, with suspended mast cells and other cells, was aspirated following a mid-line incision?' The aspirate was centrifuged for 5 min at 400g and the supernatent removed. The cells were re-suspended in BSS at 4°C, and centrifuged as before. The cells were washed in this manner a total of three times. Following the final wash, the pelleted cells were stored at 4°C, for use as soon as possible.

The cells were re-suspended in 7ml BSS. From this, 0.5ml aliguots were transferred to each of the incubation tubes. After 10 rain at 37°C, with gentle agitation, Compound 48/80 was added to a final concentration of 2mg/ml, in order to stimulate histamine release. The cell stimulation was stopped after 2 min by the addition of 0.5ml ice cold BSS, the incubation tubes were transferred to an ice bath. The cell suspensions were centrifuged for 5 min at 400 g. The "total histamine content" tube was placed at 100°C for 2 min prior to centrifugation. The supernatants were retained for histamine assay.

To 2 ml of supernatent from each tube was added 0.4 ml of 1M NaOH and 0.1ml oPT (1% (w/v) in methanol). This was incubated at room temperature for 4 min. The reaction was stopped by the addition of" 0.2 ml of 3M HC1. The supernatant from each, incubation .tube was assayed in duplicate and run simultaneously with a standard curve in the range O-lOOOng/ml.< The presence of the . fluorescent product of the reaction was measured^ jasing a :Shimad2u RF- 1501 spectrofluorophotometer set at ¾,x=360nm, ^ea=450nm.

Each drug was tested on at least five animals (n = 5). The results were expressed as a percentage of maximum inhibition of compound 48/80 induced-histamine release in the solvent blank sample. Each drug was compared to DSCG on the same tissues. The basal histamine release in untreated cells was noted, expressed as a percentage of the total histamine content of the cells in suspension. The maximum histamine released by the cells in response to compound 48/80, in the relevant solvent blank: sample, was expressed in the same manner.-. Overall, the mean basal release was 9.60% (S.E.M. = ,1.02) ; of total histamine content of the cells (n = 55). The maximum stimulated histamine release was 67.38% (S.E.M. - 2.90) in the presence of 0.5% (v/v) dH20 and 54.87% (S.E.M. = 2.69) on the presence of 0.5% (v/y)_ DMSO of total histamine content of the cells (n = 55). ; ,e- - ·-· Smooth Muscle Effects Guinea pigs (350g approx.), of either sex, were killed in an atmosphere of saturated C02. The abdomen was opened by a mid-line incision and the small intestine was removed.

Segments of ileum (1-1.5cm) were suspended in a high potassium, no calcium Krebs buffer (NaCl 160.4mM; KC1 45mM; MgCl2 0.54mM; NaH2P04 0.89mM; NaH2C03 24.9mM; Glucose ll.lmM). This was maintained at 37°C by a jacketed organ bath and gassed with 95% 02 and 5% C02. The tissues were anchored by thread to the bottom of the organ bath" and suspended from force displacement transducers under -a resting tension of lg approx. Isotonic contractions were recorded using a MacLab/4e system in conjunction with the Chart 3.3.1 software package. Surplus tissue was stored at 4°C in Krebs buffer (NAC1 236.5mM; KC1 4.7mM; CaCl2 2.5mM; MgCl2 0.54mM; NaH2P0« 0.89mM; NaHC<¼ 24.9mM; Glucose ll.lmM), for a maximum of 48 hours.

Four segments of tissue were suspended and observed concurrently. Contractions were initiated by the addition of 25μ1 of 1M CaCl2 (a final concentration of 2.5mM) . The contractions stabilized with time^JLO-15 min, and could be maintained for up to 45 min. :frora the raddition of the CaCl2. -··>-··-. - ■ . ■ --j, ;,: s . ϋ Stock solutions of drug were prepared at 10'3M in 50% (v/v) DMSO. These were diluted to give; 10"*M in 5% (v/v) DMSO and 10"5M in;0.5% (v/y) DMSO.- In cases of poor solubility the 10*3M stock was made up in higher* concentrations of DMSO. Solvent "blank" solutions were prepared containing 50%, 5% and^ O.5% (v/v) DMSO (or as appropriate) . The drug solution was added to the organ bath once a stable contraction of the tissue had been achieved. A cumulative dose-response assay was carried out in the range 5xlO"eM-to "3M. The organ bath was washed out and the tissue allowed to relax. A second cumulative dose-response assay was carried out using DMSO "blank" solutions only.

Each drug was tested, in duplicate, on at least three different animals (n=3). The results were expressed as percentage inhibition of the CaCl2 induced contraction, for each tissue, at each concentration of drug in DMSO. The effect of DMSO, for each tissue at each concentration, was substracted from the effect of the drug in DMSO, to give the effect of the drug alone. A log dose vs. response curve was plotted for each drug using the mean and the ^ standard error :of : the mean for~ the cumulated^ results .

Salmonella Mutagenicity Test The compounds were tested for mutagenicity under the protocol designed by Ames et al. (Mutation Res. 21, 347-364, 1975) and modified by Maron and Ames (Mutation Res. 113. 173-215, 1983). The Salmonella yphimurium LT2 histidine requiring strains TA98, TA100, TA102 and TA1535 were used for mutagenicity testing. These strains contain a number of other mutations which greatly increase their ability to detect - mutagens . - These are ( 1 ) a mutation (rfa*) causing partial lois of the lipo-polysaccharide cell ^ wall, thus increasing the permeability of the cell to larger molecules and (2) a deletion (uvrB~) causing loss of the DNA excision repai systems. TA102 retains" the excision repair system ÷ (uvrB*) rendering it capable of detecting mutagens needing this system. In addition, TA102 contains the PAQ1 plasmid, with the his G428 mutation, confering tetracycline resistance to this strain. TA98, TA100 and TA102 also embody an R factor plasmid, PKM101, containing an ampicillin resistance gene.

Mutation of the genome, causing revertion to histidine independence can be detected using selection media.

Solutions of the test compounds were prepared in DMSO in the range 0-50 mg/ l. Top agar (2ml), held at or above 45°C/ containing 0.5m L-histidine HC1 / 0.5mM biotin, was distributed into sterile 5nnl sample vials. Fresh overnight culture of the relevant strain (0.1ml) was added along with the test compound (0.1ml). Rat liver microsomal enzymes may also be included (O.Smls of S9 mix) in order to test for mutagenic metabolites of the test compounds. The contents of the sample vial were transferred onto minimal glucose agar plates and left stand- to dry for one hour. The plates were inverted and incubated at 37°C for 48h. Cell growth take place only in the event of a mutation occuring. The number of revertant colonies on each plate were counted. Six negative control plates, including DMSO, and six positive control plates, including a diagnostic mutagen, were tested concurrently with each compound. Three to four test plates were conducted for each compound at each of five different ocncentrations . A significant rise in the number of revertant colonies on a test plate compared to the background revertion rate would indicate that the test compound was mutagenic. Significance testing was carried out using Dunnett's multiple comparison test (Dunnett C.W., Jnl. Am. Statist. Assoc. 5J1, 1096-1121, 1955).

In Vivo Bronchial Asthma Model - Experiments were performed in male Wistar rats aged 10-12 weeks (200-250g). Sensitisation was by -the injection (1ml s.c.) of ovalbumin ( lmg/ml) /aluminium hydroxide (200mg/ml) and Freunds complete adjuvant (1ml i.p. ).

Three weeks following sensitisation, each animal was sedated with sodium phenobarbitone (40mg/kg i.p.), sedation was maintained with supplemental injections (5mg/kg i.p.) as required. The nose was occluded by surgical tape to prevent deposition of aerosols. The animal was placed in a respiratory chamber, respiratory parameters were measured by a differential volumetric transducer. Animals were treated by an aerosol of ethanol (50% v/v as a negative control), DSCG (5mg/ml in ethanol 50% v/v as a positive control) or 3C8 (5mg/ml in ethanol 50% v/v) . The animals were subsequently challenged by an aerosol of saline (negative control) or ovalbumin (5% w/w) . Changes in respiration were monitored for three hours. Each animal was given three further such treatments to induce bronchial hyper-reactivity, a condition more closely resembling bronchial asthma ·""~ Three to four weeks after the initial treatment, the experiment was repeated. The animals were exposed to an aerosol of acetyl-methyl-choline (metacholine) at a dose (8mg/ml), which stimulates a significant response in hyper-reactive airways only. None of the animals were pre-treated with drug. Changes in airway responses were monitored for one hour.

In vivo Inflammation Models The rat paw oedema model was performed using female Wistar rates (180-200g). The animals were sedated with sodium pentobarbitone, 40-70mg/kg i.p. The animals were treated by the i.p. injection of one of a range of concentrations of test drug (O-lOOmg/kg in 50% DMSO) or hydrocortisone (lOOmg/kg in 50% DMSO) or indomethacin (lOOmg/mk in 50% DMSO). After 30 min, oedema was induced by the injection of carageenan ( ΙΟΟμΙ at 2% w/v) below the plantar aponeurosis of the hind paw. The volume of the paw was measured, both before and 60 min after treatment, by displacement of water in a graduated cylinder. Paw oedema was calculated by comparing the paw volume before and after induction of oedema and expressed as percentage normal .

The mouse ear oedema model was performed using Laca mice (25-35g), of either sex. The animals were sedated with fentanyl/fluanizone (Hypnorm, Janssen) . One ear was treated by the topical application of one of a range of test compounds, indomethacin or dexamethazone (all at 300jug ear in acetone) e drug. ; - After 30 min, oedema was induced by the topical application of arachidonic acid (ΙΟμΙ at 0.4g/ml in acetone) . ? The thickness of each ear was measured, both before and 60 min after the induction of oedema, using a micrometer screw guage. Bar oedema was calculated by comparing the ear width before and after induction of oedema and expressed as percentage normal.

RESWTS Mast Cells Stabalisatin and Smooth Muscle Relaxation The findings of the histamine release and the smooth muscle effect assays are summarised in the acompanying tables of results. The results from some of the compounds are illustrated in the accompanying graphs. The results indicate that these compounds show a wide variety of smooth muscle relaxing and mast cell stabilising activity, and that these two effects are 'not related (i.e. a good mast cell stabiliser is not necessarily a good smooth muscle relaxant and vice ersafi^ - is f SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 20) Results for Histamine release assay and Smooth mus Bronchial Asthma Model All animals responded to aerosol treatment with a 30% drop in rate of respiration and a 50% drop in tidal volume, regardless of the content of the aerosolised solution. This may well have masked the early response of animals exposed to ovalbumin, since none was observed. The animals were divided into four treatment groups :- _ -»'·£· Group I - Negative Control . ¾ J ·" : These animals were exposed to ethanol (50% v/v) by aerosol 30 min prior to exposure to saline (NaCl 0.9% v/v), also by aerosol. There was a fall in respiration rate of 30% and in tidal volume of 50%, in response to the aerosol. Both parameters returned to normal within 10 min and remained normal throughout the monitoring period. (Fig. 1) Following exposure to metacholine the tidal volume fell by 50% but the respiration rate rose by 10%. (Fig. 2) This may indicate a response to the metacholine insufficient to overcome the expected response to the aerosol. A response to metacholine was not anticipated given that the animals were not treated with allergen.

Post-mortem examination revealed that the animals had all developed severe sterile peritonitis. This took the form of extensive, vascularised fibrosis within the abdomen, particularly around the liver and upper intestines. In addition, small, caseous nodules" 'developed, again primarily around the liver, but' also scattered throughout the abdomen with an occasional focus at the injection sites. This is thought to ha multiple i.p. injections "of plenoKa bitone ^an ' acidic irritant. . . ......

Group II - Positive Control These animals were exposed to ovalbumin ( 5% w/v) by aerosol. There was a fall in respiration rate of 35% and in tidal volume of 40% , in response to the aerosol. The early phase of the allergic response to the ovalbumin is masked by the aerosol effect. Both parameters returned to normal within 10 min and remained normal for 100 min." Two hours ( 120 min) following exposure to'ovalbumln the rate of respiration rose by 35% and the tidal volume rose by 60% . This represents the lat phase" of the allergic c response. Both parameters returned to normal within 30 min and remained normal for the rest5 bf the 'monitoring period. (Fig. 1) Following exposure^to metacholine"the tidal volume fell by 35% but the respiration rate rose by 50% . This indicates a response to" the metacholine sufficient to overcome the expected"' response to the aerosol and implies that multiple exposures to allergen (ovalbumin) have induced hyper-reactivity in the airway.

Both parameters returned to normal in 10Γ min and remained normal during the monitoring period. (Fig. 2 ) Post-mortem examination revealed that the animals had all developed severe sterile peritonitis. The nature and severity of the reaction was similar to that observed in Group I animals.

Group III - Treatment Control These animals were exposed disodium cromoglycate (5mg/ml in ethanol 50% v/v) and, 30 min later, to ovalbumin (5% w/v) by aerosol. There was a fall in respiration rate of 30% and in^ tidal volume*.- of ...40%, in response to the aerosol . Both parameters - returned - to normal ?witfiiri 10 min, the tidal volume remained normal throughout' the monitoring period. The respiration rate rose by 10% 90 min after ovalbumin exposure, this lasted about 15 min. The major late phase peak did not occur in either parameter, indicating that the disodium cromoglycate pre-treatment has protected the animals from developing an asthmatic response to the ovalbumin. (Fig. 1) Following exposure to metacholine the tidal volume fell by 25% but the respiration rate rose by 5%. This may indicate a response' to the metacholine insufficient -to overcome the expected response to the, aerosol.,.. (Fig. 2) The reduced response to metacholine, compared to Group II controls, indicates that exposure to disodium cromoglycate has protected the animals from induced hyper-reactivity in' the airway.

Post-mortem examination revealed that the animals had, all developed severe sterile peritonitis. The nature of"the reaction was similar to that observed in Group I and Group II animals. The reaction was less severe, as indicated by the absence of vascularisation of the fibrotic tissue, suggesting that disodium cromoglycate may have acted to protect these animals. _ · ,:^- .

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 28) * ftrouo IV - Treatment Teats These animals were exposed to 3C8 (Smg/ml in ethanol 50% v/v) and, 30 min later, to ovalbumin (5% w/v) by aerosol.

There was a fall in respiration rate of 40% and in tidal volume of 60%, in response to the aerosol. Both parameters returned to 90% of normal within 10 min, and fluctuated around 90% of normal for the remainder of the monitoring period. The major latevphase peak did not occur in either parameter, indicting that the 3C8 pre- treatment has protected the animals'"'"from developing an asthmatic response to the'ovalbumin.7 i (Fig.' 1) Following - - - - ¾r exposure to metacholine the tidal volume fell by 40% but the respiration rate rose by 10%. This may indicate a response to the matacholine insufficient to overcome the expected response to the aerosol. (Fig. 2) The reduced response to metacholine, compared to Group II controls, indicates that exposure to 3C8 have protected the animals from induced hyper-reactivity in the airway.

Post mortem examination revealed that none of the animals had developed the sterile peritonitis observed in the other groups. This would indicate that 3C8 has acted to protect these animals from an inflammatory response.

Cone¾u.s tan The protocol used to induce allergic asthma and bronchial hyper-reactivity in male Wistar rats" was successful, except in the monitoring of the early phase of the allergic reaction. The treatment control (disodium cromoglycate) was successful in so far as it blocked the measureable responses to allergen and prevented the developemnt of bronchial hyper-reactivity. The test compound (3C8) was equally successful, if not marginally SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 28) better, at blocking the allergic response and preventing development of bronchial hyper-reactivity. In addition, 3C8 may be acting as an anti-inflammatory agent, as indicated by the complete absence of peritonitis in 3C8 treated animals.

T RULE 26) - - Inflammation models Rat Paw Q¾d, Mouse Ear Oedema Model Responses of the mouse ear to single doses of a range of compounds compared to the response to indomethacin and dexamethasone, each at a dose of 300μς per ear administered topically 30 min prior to administration of ΟΟμς or arachidonic acid. Values are expressed as the percentage increase in ear thickness 1 hour after administration of arachidonic acid (all n-4 except 8C4 (n=5)) and solvent controls (n=8). The results suggest that anti-inflammatory activity is not linked to mast cell stabilising activity.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 28) It will be appreciated that the compounds may have useful pharmacological properties other than those described above.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments hereinbefore described which may be varied in detail.

- - APPENDIX 1 LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS USED AlClj aluminium chloride aq aqueous b.p. boiling point BrCH2C«H«CO2CH3 methyl 4-(bromomethyl)benzoate BrCH2C02CH3 bromomethyl acetate BSS buffered salt solution CaCl2 calcium chloride CC22HH3jII iodoethane C6H3(CHj)Br(CH3) bromo-/n-xylene C6H5CH2Br benzyl bromide CDClj chloroform-d CF3S03Si(CH3)3 t r i m e t h y l s i l y l trifluoromethanesulfonate (TMS triflate) CH(OCHj)j trimethylsilyl orthoformate CH3C6H4S03H.H20 p-toluenesulfonic CH3I iodomethane CLCHjCHjCOCl β-chloropropionylchloride C02 carbon dioxide CS2 carbon disulfide [ (C6H5)3P]3RhCl tris(triphenylphosphine)rhodium( 1) chloride (Wilkinsons catalyst) f [ ((CCHH3,)),3CC00]13¾AA11 aluminium tri-tert-butoxide DCM dichloromethane dH20 distilled water DMSO dimethyl sulphoxide DSCG disodium cromoglycate Et20 ether EtjN triethylamine EtOAc ethyl acetate EtOH ethanol H2C=CHCH2Br allyl bromide HH22NNNNHH52..HH?200 hydrazine hydrate.monohydrate LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS USED CONTD.

H20 water H2SO« sulphuric acid HC1 hydrochloric acid HEPES N-2 -hydroxyethylpiperaz ine-N-2 ethanesulphonic acid HOCH2CH2OH ethylene glycol IR infra red KC1 potassium chloride LDA lithium diisopropylamide M .. . Molar MgCl2 · magnesium: chloride min minutes- THF tetrahydrofuran TLC thin layer chromatography μΐ microliters Triflic Acid trifluorontethanesulfonic acid TMS Triflate trimethyl silyl trifluoromethanesu1fonate v/v volume per volume w/v weight per volume Znl2 zinc iodide λ™ emission wavelength ¾2« excitation, wavelength c :A1 *C SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 28) APPSMDIX 2 1C1 2-( 1 ' -indanylidene) -indan-l-one 1C2 2-( 1-ind-l-enyl ) -2-methylindan-l-one 1C3 2-{ 1-ind-l-enyl ) -2-methylindan-l-one 1C4 2- ( 1-indanyl ) -2-methyl ndane 1C5 2-( 1-ind-l-enyl ) -2-methylindan-l-ol 1C6 2-{ 1-indanyl ) -2-methylindan-l-ol 1C7 1- (2-(2-inethylindanyl) )ind-l-ene 1C8 2- ( 1-ind-l-enyl) -2-methyl-l-acetoxyindane 1C9 2-(3, 3-dimethyl-l-ind-l-enyl)-2- methylindan-l-one 1C10 2- ( 1-ind-1-eny1 ) -2-eth lindan- 1-one 1C11 2-( 1-indanyl ) -2-ethylindan-l-one 1C12 2- ( 1-ind-l-enyl) -2-prop-2-enylndan-l-one 1C13 2- ( 1-ind-l-enyl ) -2-propylindan-l-one 1C14 2-( 1-indanyl ) -2-propylindan-l-one 1C15 2- ( 1-ind-l-enyl) -2-prop-2-enylindan-l-ol 1C16 2 - ( 1-ind-l-enyl) -2-prop-2-enyl-l- acetoxyindane 1C17 2-( 1-ind-lenyl ) -2-propylindan-l-ol 1C18 2- ( 1-ind-l-enyl) -2-propylindan-l-ol 1C19 2-( ind-l-enyl ) -2-propanyl-l-acetoxyindane 1C20 2- ( 1-ind-l-enyl.) -2-pent-2-enylindan-l-one 1C21 2-( 1-ind-l-enyl ) -2-pentylindan-l-one >- ·-1C22 2- ( 1-ind-1-eny1 ) -2-pent-2-eny1indan-1-o " 1C23 2—( 1-ind-l-enyl ) -2-pent-2-enylindan-l-ol 1C24 2-( 1-ind-l-enyl) -2-benzylindan-1-pne 1C25 and 1C26 2-( 1-ind-l-enyl ) -2-benzylindan-l-ol 1C27 2- ( 1-ind-l-enyl ) -2-benzyl-l-acetoxyindane 1C28. 2- (1-indanyl )-2-benzylindane 1C29 2- ( 1-indanyl) -2-benzylindan-l-one 1C30. 2-( 1-indanyl) -2-benzylindan-l-ol 1C3I 2- ( 1-ind-l-enyl ) -2-p-metho ycarbonyl- phenylmeth 1-indan- 1-one SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 25}' 1C32 2-( l-ind-l-enyl) -2-p-carboxyphenyl- methylindan- 1-one 1C33 2-( l-ind-l-enyl)-2-n»ethoxycar onyl- me thy 1 indan- 1-one 1C34 2-( l-indenyl)-2-carboxymethylindan- -one 1C35 2-( 1-ind-l-enyl) -2-sodium oxycarbonyl- methy 1 indan- 1 -one 1C36 2-( l-indanyl)-indane 1C37 2- ( 1-indanyl ) -indan-l-one 1C38 2- ( l-ind-jl-enyl ) -2-acetoxyinethyl indan-l- one : : *-·: ' 1C39 1- ( 2- ( 2 -benzyl- 1- ( 3 , 5-dimethylpehnyl ) aminocarboriylloxy) indanyl )-l-ind-l-erie 1C40 1- ( 2- ( 2 -benzyl -l-( 3 , 5-dimethylphenyl ) aminocarbonylloxy) indanyl )-l-ind-l-ene 1C41 2- ( l-(6-bromo-5,7-dimethylindanyl-idene) )- 1 - ( bromo- 5,7 -dimethyl indan- 1 -one ) 1C42 2-( l-( l-( 2-hydroxyethoxy) indanyl) ) -indan- l-one 1C43 2- ( 1-ind-l-enyl) -indan-l-one ethylene ketal 1C44 2- ( 1-ind-l-enyl ) -indan- 1-one-oxime 2C1 1- ( 2 - indanyl idene ) -indan-2 -one 2C2 l-( 2-indenyl ) -1 -methyl indan- 2 -one 2C3 1~( 2-indenyl ) -l-ethylindan-2-one 2C4 1- ( 2-indenyl ) -indan-2-one~ 2C5 - 1- ( 2 -indanyl ) -indan-2-ol- . Z 2C6 1- ( 2-indenyl ) -l-prop-2-enylindan-2-one - 2C7 1 - ( 2 - indeny 1 ) - 1 -benzyl i ndan- 2 -one 2C8 l-( 2-indenyl )-l-benzylindan-2-ol ' ■- 2C9 1 -( enzyl- 2 - indanyl )- inden- 2 -o 1 2C10 1- ( benzyl*2-inden-2-enyl ) -inden-2-acetbxy 2C11 2 ( 2-benzyl-ind- 1-enyl ) -indene 2C12. 2- ( 2- ( 1-indan-l-onyl) ) -indan-l-one 2C13 3- (2-( 1 -hydroxy indanyl)- indan- l-ol 2C14 3-(2-( 1-acetoxy indanyl) )-l-acetoxyindane 2C15 1- ( 2-indenyl ) -l-benzyl-2-methan- sul f onylate-indane 2C16 1- ( 2-indenyl ) -2-benzyl-indan-2-one ©xime 3C1 2- ( 2- ( 2-methoxyindanyl) ) -indan-l-one 3C2 2-(2 ' -indanylidene) -indan-l-one 3C3 2- ( 2-indenyl ) -2-prop-2-enylindan-l-one 3C4 2- ( 2-indenyl ) -2-propylindan-l-one 3C5 2- ( 2-indenyl )-2-benzylindan-l-one 3C6 2 - ( 2 -indeny 1 ) -2 -benzyl indan- 1 -ol 3C7 2- ( 2-indenyl )-2-benzylindan-l-ol 3C8 2- ( 2-indenyl ) -2-benzylindan-l-ol 3C9 2- (2-indenyl) -2- benzylindan-l-ol 3C10 2- ( 2-indenyl) -2-benzyl-l-acetoxyindane 3C11 2-(2-indenyl) -2-p-methoxycarbonyl- phenylmethylindan-l-one 3C12 2-( 2- ( 2-methoxyindanyl ) ) -4 -methoxy indan-l- one 3C13 2- (2-indenyl )-2-p-me thoxycarbonyl- pheny lme thy 1 -4 -met hoxy indan- 1 -one 3C14 2- ( 2- ( 2-methoxyindanyl ) ) -5-methoxyindan- 1- one ·_ - : 3C15 2- ( 2-indanylidene) -4 -dodecyloxy indan-l-one 3C16 2 - ( 2 - indenyl ) -2 -raethoxycarbonlme thyl -4 - dodecyloxy indan- 1-pne ; 3C17 2 - ( 2 - ( 2 -methoxyindany 1 ) -6 -bromo -5,7- dimethyl indan-l-one 3C18 2- ( 2-indenyl_-2-benz,y.l-6-bromo-5 , 7- dimethyl indan-l-one 3C19 2- ( 2-indenyl ) -2-benzyt-6-bromo-5 , 7- dimethylindan-l-ol - - ·... ; \ - 3C20 2- ( 2-indenyl ) -2rbenzyl-6-bromo-5 , 7- dimethyl indan- l-ol ~ i 3C21. 2 - ( 2- ( 2-methoxyindanyl ) ) -5 -bromo- 4 , 6- dime thy 1 indan- 1 -one 3C22 2- ( 2-indenyl ) -2 -benzyl -5 -bromo - , 6- dimethyl indan-l-one , - £ 3C23 2-(2-indenyl ) -2-benzyl-5-bromo-4 , 6 - dime hylindan-1-ol 3C24 2-(2-indenyl) -2-benzyl-5-bromo-4 , 6 - dimethylindan-l-ol 3C25 2- ( 2- ( 2-methoxyindanyl ) ) -6-benzyloxy-5 ,7- dimethylindan-l-one 3C26 2-( 2-indenyl ) -2-benzyl-6-benzyloxy-5 , 7- dimethy1 ndan-1-one 3C27 2-(2- (2-methoxyindanyl) )-6-hydroxy-5,7- dimethyl ndan-l-one 3C28 2-(2-(2-meth0xyindanyl) )-6-acetoxy-5,7- dimethylindan-l-one " - ""* 3C30 2-(2-(2-T«»thoxyindanyi ) -5,7-dimethylindan- 1-one ·' - * 3C31 2- ( 2-indenyl ) -2-benzyl-5, 7-dimethylindan- l-one 3C32 2- (2-indenyl ) -2-benzyl-5, 7-dimethylindan- 1-ol 3C33 2-(2-indenyl ) -2-benzyl-5 , 7-dimethylindan- 1-ol 3C36 2-( 2-( 2-methoxyindanyl )"") -indan-l-one oxime 3C37 2-(2-indenyl )-inden-l-one oxime 3C38 2-(2-(2-methoxyindanyl) ) -indan-l-one oxime benzyl ether " '·-*- ; '· 3C39 2-(2-indahyl ) -i¾idan-1-one oxime benzyl ether :2--': ";i¾¾- 3C40 2^(2-indenyl ) -2-benzylihdan-1-one oxime benzyl ether 3C41 2-(l-indanyl)-2-benzylindan-l-one 3C42 2-( l-indanyl )-2-benzyl£ndan-1-one 3C43 2-(2-methoxyindariyl)-4-prop-2-enyloxyindan- l-one - ≤c'■· ": ' 4C1. l-( l-( 2-hydroxyethoxy-l-indanyl ) ) -indan-2- one 4C2 3-( 1-( indan-2-onyl )) -indan-1-one 4C3 3-( l-( indan-2-olyl ) )-ihdan-l-ol

Claims (24)

181 124756/3 Claims

1. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of any of the formulae: wherein in Formulae 1 and 3 R3 to R15 in Formula 2 R3 to R15 are selected from one or more of the same or different of: Ql l 19528X29-01 182 124756/5 H, halo, hydroxy, alkoxy, aryloxy, acetoxy, carboxy, alkyl carbonyl, hydro carbonyl, amino, amido, alkylamind, hydroxylamino, aralkyl groups, mono and polybenzoid aryl groups, substituted aryl groups, alkyl containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms or cycloalkyl groups containing 3 to 8 carbon atoms, substituted alkyl or cycloalkyl, wherein the alkyl and cycloalkyl are substsituted with any one or more of the same or different of halo, oxo, hydroxy, alkoxy, aryloxy, acetoxy, carboxy, carbonyl, amino, amido, alkylamino, hydroxylamino, aralkyl groups, mono and polybenzoid aryl groups, substituted aryl groups, in Formulae 1 and 3 R1, 'R1 and in Formula 2 R2, 'R2 are any one or more of hydro carbonyl, alkyl carbonyl, hydrogen, hydroxy or acetoxy. in Formula 1 any one or more of R1, 'R1 ; R3, LR3; R10, Way together represent oxo; in Formula 2 any one or more of R2, 'R2; R\ 'R3; R14, 'R14; may together represent oxo; in Formula 3 any one or more of R1 , V; R3, "R3; R14, 'R14; may together represent oxo; pharmacologically acceptable salts, esters, amides, solvates and isomers thereof.

2. A compound of Formula 1 or 2 as defined in claim 1 disclaiming the following: l-(2-indenyl)-l-methyl-indan-2-one; 1- (2-indenyl)-indane; and 2- (l-indenyl)-indanone.

3. A compound as claimed in claim 2 wherein in Formula 1 R1, 'R' ; R3, 'R-1 and R ! Rr. 10 do not each represent oxo. 3 7

4. A compound as claimed in claim 2 or 3 wherein in Formula 1 R to R are hydrogen.

5. A compound as claimed in any of claims 2 to 4 wherein in Formula 1 R10 to R14 are hydrogen. O i l 19528\29-01 183 124756/3

6. A compound as claimed in any of claims 2 to 5 wherein in Formula 1 R1 , 'R1 represents H, OH.

7. A compound as claimed in any of claims 2 to 6 wherein in Formula 1 R15 represents a benzyl group.

8. A compound as claimed in claim 2 wherein in Formula 2 R2, 'R2; R3, 'R3 and R14, 'R14 do not each represent oxo.

9. A compound as claimed in claim 2 or 8 wherein in Formula 2 R3 to R7 are hydrogen.

10. A compound as claimed in any of claims 2 or 8 or 9 wherein in Formula 2 R10 and R13 are hydrogen.

11. A compound as claimed in any of claims 2 or 8 to 10 wherein in Formula 2 R2, Κ2 represents H, OH.

12. A compound as claimed in any of claims 2 or 8 to 1 1 wherein in Formula 2 R15 represents a benzyl group.

13. A compound of the Formula 3 as defined in claim 1.

14. A compound as claimed in claim 13 wherein R1, 'R1 ; R3, 'R3 and R14, 'R14 do not each represent oxo.

15. A compound as claimed in claim 13 or 14 wherein R4 to R7 represent hydrogen.

16. A compound as claimed in any of claims 13 to 15 wherein R10 to R13 represent hydrogen. 01 1 19528X29-01 184 124756/4

17. A compound as claimed in any of claims 13 to 16 wherein R1, 'R' represents H, OH.

18. A compound as claimed in any of claims 13 to 17 wherein R15 represents a benzyl group.

19. A compound selected from the following: 1C4 2 1 -indanyl)-2-methylindane 1C5 2 1 -ind- 1 -enyl)-2-methy lindan- 1 -ol 1C7 I 2-(2-methylindanyl))ind-l-ene 1C8 2 1 -ind- 1 -enyl)-2-methy 1- 1 -acetoxyindane 1C9 2 3,3-dimethyl- 1 -ind- 1 -enyl)-2-methylindan- 1 -one 1C10 2 1 -ind- 1 -enyl)-2-ethylindan- 1 -one 1C12 2 1 -ind-1 -enyl)-2-prop-2-enylindan-l -one 1C13 2 1 -ind-1 -enyl)-2-propy lindan- 1 -one 1C15 2 1 -ind-1 -enyl)-2-prop-2-enylindan-l -ol 1C16 2 1 -ind- 1 -enyl)-2-prop-2-enyl- 1 -acetoxyindane 1C17 2 1 -ind- 1 -enyl)-2-propy lindan- 1 -ol 1C18 2 1 -ind- 1 -enyl)-2-propy lindan- 1 -ol 1C19 2 ind-1 -enyl)-2-propanyl-l -acetoxyindane 1C20 2 nd- 1 -enyl)-2-pent-2-enylindan- 1 -one 1C21 2 nd- 1 -enyl)-2-pentylindan- 1 -one 1C22 2 nd- 1 -enyl)-2-pent-2-enylindan- 1 -ol 1C23 2 nd- 1 -enyl)-2-pent-2-enylindan- 1 -ol 1C24 2-1 nd- 1 -enyl)-2-benzylindan- 1 -one lC25 and lC26 2 nd- 1 -enyl)-2-benzylindan- 1 -ol 1C27 2-1 nd- 1 -enyl)-2-benzyl- 1 -acetoxyindane 1C31 2 nd- 1 -enyl)-2-p-methoxycarbonylphenylmethyl-indan- 1 -one 1C32 2 nd- 1 -enyl)-2-p-carboxyphenylmethy lindan- 1 -one 1C33 2 nd- 1 -enyl)-2-methoxycarbonylmethylindan- 1 -one 1C34 2-1 1 -indenyl)-2-carboxymethylindan- 1 -one 011 19528\29-01 185 124756/4 1C35 2· 1- ind-l -enyl)-2-sodium oxycarbonylmethylindan-1 -one 1C38 2 1 -ind- 1 -enyl)-2-acetoxymethylindan- 1 -one 2C3 2- indenyl)- l-ethylindan-2 -one 2C4 2-indenyl)-indan-2-one 2C6 2-indenyl)- 1 -prop-2-enylindan-2-one 2C7 2-indenyl)- 1 -benzylindan-2-one 2C8 2-indenyl)- 1 -benzyl indan-2-ol 2C10 benzyl-2-inden-2-enyl)-inden-2-acetoxy 3C3 2 2-indeny l)-2-prop-2-enylindan- 1 -one 3C4 2 2-indenyl)-2-propylindan- 1 -one 3C5 2 2-indenyl)-2-benzylindan- 1 -one 3C6 2 2-indenyl)-2-benzylindan- 1 -ol 3C7 2 2-indenyl)-2-benzylindan- 1 -ol 3C8 2 2-indenyl)-2-benzylindan-l -ol 3C9 2 2-indenyl)-2-benzylindan- 1 -ol 3C10 2 2-indenyl)-2-benzyl-l-acetoxyindane 3C1 1 2 2-indenyl)-2-p-methoxycarbonyl-phenylmethylindan-l-one 3C13 2 2-indenyl)-2-p-methoxycarbonyl-phenylmethyl-4-ethoxyindan- 1-one 3C18 2 2-indenyl-2-benzyl-6-bromo-5,7-dimethylindan-l-one 3C19 2 2-indenyl)-2-benzyl-6-bromo-5 ,7-dimethyl indan- 1 -ol 3C20 2 2-indenyl)-2-benzyl-6-bromo-5,7-dimethylindan- 1 -ol 3C22 2 2-indenyl)-2-benzyl-5-bromo-4,6-dimethyl indan- 1 -one 3C23 2 2-indenyl)-2-benzyl-5-bromo-4,6-dimethyl indan- 1 -ol 3C24 2 2-indenyl)-2-benzyl-5 -bromo-4,6-dimethyl indan- 1 -ol 3C31 2-1 2-indenyl)-2-benzyl-5 ,7-dimethylindan- 1 -one 3C32 2 2-indenyl)-2-benzyl-5,7-dimethylindan-l-ol 3C33 2 2-indenyl)-2-benzyl-5,7-dimethylindan- 1 -ol

20. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of any of claims 2 to 12 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. 01 1 19528V29-01 18 6 124756/4

21. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of any of claims 13 to 19 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

22. Use of a compound of formulae 1 to 3 as defined in claim 1 in the manufacture of a medicament to achieve smooth muscle relaxing activity and/or mast cell stabilizing activity and/or anti-inflammatory activity.

23. Use of a compound of formula 1 or 2 as claimed in any of claims 2 to 12 in the manufacture of a medicament to achieve smooth muscle relaxing activity and/or mast cell stabilizing activity and/or anti-inflammatory activity.

24. Use of a compound as claimed in any of claims 13 to 19 in the manufacture of a medicament to achieve smooth muscle relaxing activity and/or mast cell stabilizing activity and/or anti -inflammatory activity. For the Applicants REINHOLD COHN AND PARTNERS By : 01 1 19528V29-01